Confirming the Effectiveness of Online Guided Self-Help Family-Based Treatment for Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa

Launched by STANFORD UNIVERSITY · Sep 28, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new approach to treating adolescent Anorexia Nervosa (AN), a serious eating disorder that can have severe health consequences. Researchers want to find out if a guided self-help version of Family Based Treatment (GSH-FBT) can help young people recover more effectively than traditional Family Based Treatment delivered via videoconferencing (FBT-V). The goal is to see if GSH-FBT makes it easier and faster for families to access treatment, especially since there aren’t enough therapists available for everyone who needs help.

To participate in this study, adolescents aged 12 to 18 who have been diagnosed with AN are eligible, as long as they live with family members who can read and speak English and have access to a computer with the internet. Participants need to be medically stable, meaning their health is good enough for outpatient treatment. During the trial, families will engage in the treatment together and learn how to support their loved one in recovery. It’s important to note that this study is only for those who aren't currently involved in other psychotherapy trials, and certain medical conditions will disqualify participants. Overall, this study aims to improve access to effective treatment for adolescent AN, helping families support their loved ones more effectively.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Participants are 12-18 years of age
• • 2. Participants live with a family (some families may contain only one parent)
• • 3. Family members fluently speak and read English and have access to a computer with internet
• • 4. Participants meet DSM-5 criteria for AN (both subtypes)
• • 5. EBW above 75%
• • 6. Participants are medically stable for outpatient treatment according to the recommended thresholds of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Society of Adolescent Medicine
• • 7. Participants are not engaged in another individual or family-based psychotherapy trial during the duration of treatment sessions in the study.
• • 8. Medications for comorbid psychiatric disorders are OK; randomization will balance groups through tracking.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Current psychotic illness or intellectual disability or other mental illnesses that would prohibit the use of psychotherapy; current dependence on drugs or alcohol; physical conditions (e.g. diabetes mellitus, pregnancy) known to influence eating or weight; previous FBT; and inability of the participant and/or family to speak and understand English.