Narrative Medicine for Anorexia Nervosa

Overseen By Anoushka A Sinha, MD, MS

Age: < 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of California, San Francisco

Disqualifiers: Personality disorder, Psychosis, Bipolar, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 6

Duration: 6 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests whether workshops in narrative medicine can help young people with anorexia nervosa improve self-expression and emotional resilience. Participants will engage in creative writing and group discussions, exploring themes like self-definition and kindness. It suits those aged 16-25 who are medically stable, actively in treatment for an eating disorder, and comfortable with reading and writing in English. The researchers aim to demonstrate that storytelling and sharing can aid healing and enhance psychological well-being. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity for participants to explore innovative therapeutic approaches and contribute to valuable mental health research.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It focuses on narrative medicine activities and does not mention medication changes.

What prior data suggests that this narrative medicine curriculum is safe for individuals with anorexia nervosa?

Research shows that narrative medicine workshops are generally safe and well-received. Studies have found that these workshops can improve mental health without causing harmful side effects. Narrative medicine includes activities like reading and writing, which are safe and have no known negative effects. Participants can join these workshops without worrying about physical risks. The goal is to enhance self-expression and resilience, supporting overall well-being. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Narrative Medicine (NM) for anorexia nervosa because it offers a fresh, holistic approach that focuses on self-expression, reflection, and community building, unlike traditional treatments that typically center around nutritional rehabilitation and psychotherapy. This method encourages participants to engage in creative writing and group discussions, fostering resilience and self-definition through storytelling and reflection. By emphasizing personal narratives and emotional connections, NM aims to enhance mental wellness and self-understanding in a way that standard therapies may not fully address.

What evidence suggests that this narrative medicine workshop series is effective for anorexia nervosa?

Research has shown that narrative medicine can alter patients' perceptions of their treatment and foster a stronger connection with healthcare providers. A review of studies found some evidence that narrative therapy might assist with eating disorders, although research is still in its early stages. In this trial, participants will engage in a Narrative Medicine (NM) Workshop Series, designed to facilitate self-expression and build emotional resilience. These workshops encourage reflection and sharing, which may support mental well-being. Although hard data is limited, this approach appears promising for aiding personal growth and developing coping skills in individuals with eating disorders. ^{1 4 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Anoushka Sinha, MD, MS

Principal Investigator

University of California, San Francisco

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for young people aged 16-22 with anorexia nervosa who are stable enough for outpatient therapy and actively receiving treatment. It's not suitable for those with active suicidal thoughts, recent self-harm without intent to die, or concurrent personality disorders.

Inclusion Criteria

I am between 16 and 22 years old.

I am currently in outpatient treatment for an eating disorder.

Have a DSM-5 diagnosis of AN (confirmed by the UCSF Eating Disorders Program clinical team)

Exclusion Criteria

History of psychosis, schizophrenia spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, or personality disorder

I do not have severe thinking or memory problems.

I have not had thoughts of harming myself or attempted self-harm in the last two months.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants attend six weekly workshops focused on themes such as self-definition, kindness, resilience, and possibility

6 weeks

6 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for psychological well-being and self-expression after the intervention

4 weeks

Optional Capstone Event

Participants may opt to share their work in a supportive space with peers, loved ones, and providers

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Narrative Medicine (NM) Workshop Series

Trial Overview The study tests a Narrative Medicine (NM) workshop series designed to improve self-expression, reflection, and resilience through creative writing and group discussions. Participants will attend six weekly workshops focusing on themes like identity and coping.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Narrative Medicine (NM) Workshop Series Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants in this study will take part in a six-week Narrative Medicine (NM) curriculum designed to enhance self-expression, reflection, and resilience in individuals with anorexia nervosa. Workshops will be conducted weekly at the UCSF Eating Disorders Program and will include: * Close reading of visual or written texts related to themes such as self-definition, resilience, kindness, and possibility * Creative writing exercises in response to structured prompts * Group discussions and sharing to foster community, connection, and self-expression

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of California, San Francisco

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2,636

Recruited

19,080,000+

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06849830?term=AREA%5BConditionSearch%5D(%22Anorexia%20Nervosa%22)&rank=10

Incorporating Narrative Into the Treatment of Youth With ... This study aims to explore the role of narrative medicine in eating disorder treatment and assess its potential benefits for psychological well-being and self- ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10710219/

A Narrative Review of Early Intervention for Eating Disorders The aim of this review is to synthesize the literature on barriers to and facilitators of early intervention for EDs, regarding patient-, clinician-, service-, ...

3. jeatdisord.biomedcentral.com jeatdisord.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40337-022-00636-4

Paper 2: a systematic review of narrative therapy treatment ... This systematic review found limited support for narrative therapy in the treatment of eating disorders through practice-based evidence.

4. harinisridhar.com harinisridhar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/knio-and-sridhar-2025.pdf

Narrative Medicine Curricula in the Care of Eating Disorders This study highlights the value of narrative medicine workshops in shifting a patient's perspectives towards treatment and in promoting a patient-as-partner ...

5. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11580210/

Participatory development of evidence-based patient ... Aims of this pilot study were (a) the collaborative development of a series of evidence-based patient narrative videos about eating disorders.

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9461296/

Paper 1: a systematic synthesis of narrative therapy treatment ... The aim of this study was to conduct a narrative synthesis of the literature to explore the content and use of narrative therapy in the treatment of EDs.

7. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-anorexia-1-2025-014e0

Narrative Medicine for Anorexia Nervosa ... Medicine (NM) Workshop Series will have tolerable side effects & efficacy for patients with Anorexia Nervosa and Anorexia Nervosa. Learn more about the study.

8. narrativemed.ucsf.edu narrativemed.ucsf.edu/our-programs/narrative-medicine-adolescents-anorexia-nervosa

Narrative Medicine for Eating Disorders The UCSF Eating Disorders Program is developing and evaluating a narrative medicine workshop series for adolescents and young adults with anorexia nervosa (AN).