Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Anorexia
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a new form of therapy called cognitive-behavioral therapy to determine its effectiveness for adults with anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder marked by extreme weight loss and restricted food intake. The goal is to help participants gain weight and reduce eating disorder symptoms. The therapy consists of 20 weekly sessions, with follow-ups extending up to six months. Individuals diagnosed with anorexia nervosa who receive medical monitoring from a doctor at Massachusetts General Hospital might be suitable candidates. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to pioneering research that could lead to new treatment options for anorexia nervosa.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, you must pause any ongoing psychotherapy to focus on the study's therapy sessions.
What prior data suggests that this cognitive-behavioral therapy is safe for adults with anorexia nervosa?
Research has shown that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for anorexia nervosa is generally safe for participants. Studies have found that this therapy can help patients adhere to their treatment and reduce dropout rates, supporting individuals in maintaining their recovery.
Recent studies specifically indicate that CBT can help individuals feel more comfortable around food, a crucial step for those with anorexia. While CBT is effective in some ways, the recovery rate for anorexia remains about 30%, which is lower compared to other eating disorders.
Overall, the therapy is well-tolerated, with most people not experiencing negative side effects from the treatment itself. This makes CBT a safe option for those considering participation in such a trial.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa (CBT-20-AN) is unique because it focuses on a structured, short-term approach involving 20 weekly sessions with follow-up check-ins. Unlike traditional treatments for anorexia, which often include longer-term therapy or hospitalization, CBT-20-AN aims to provide focused support within a specific timeframe, making it potentially more accessible and less intimidating for patients. Researchers are excited about this treatment because it could offer faster and more sustainable improvements in eating behaviors and mental health, while also being more adaptable to different patient needs.
What evidence suggests that this therapy might be an effective treatment for anorexia?
Research has shown that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) effectively treats anorexia nervosa. Studies have found that CBT helps patients adhere to their treatment plans and reduces dropout rates. Patients receiving CBT tend to achieve better outcomes than those on waitlists. In one study, 44% of patients who underwent CBT showed significant improvement, compared to only 7% who received nutritional counseling. Early findings suggest that CBT can effectively help patients gain weight and reduce symptoms of eating disorders. In this trial, participants will undergo the Twenty Session Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa (CBT-20-AN), which includes 20 weekly sessions and follow-ups at one month, three months, and six months.26789
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Adults aged 18 and over with anorexia nervosa can join this study. The trial is designed to help them gain weight and reduce eating disorder behaviors. Participants must be able to attend twenty therapy sessions.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants undergo twenty weekly sessions of cognitive-behavioral therapy
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Twenty Session Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa (CBT-20-AN)
Trial Overview
The trial tests a new twenty-session cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT-20-AN) specifically for adults with anorexia nervosa, aiming to see if it helps patients gain weight and improve their relationship with food.
How Is the Trial Designed?
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Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
The single CBT-20-AN arm of this study is experimental, consisting of 20 weekly sessions and one-month, three-month, and six-month follow-ups.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Massachusetts General Hospital
Lead Sponsor
Published Research Related to This Trial
Citations
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for anorexia nervosa (AN), based on Beck's cognitive theory, was developed in a "generic" form in the early eighties.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for anorexia nervosa
The evidence reviewed suggested that CBT demonstrated effectiveness as a means of improving treatment adherence and minimising dropout amongst patients with AN.
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for outpatients with ...
Overall, results suggest an optimistic picture for patients with anorexia nervosa treated with outpatient CBT. Clinicians can expect good outcomes using CBT, ...
The Efficacy of Individual Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for ...
Results: CBT was more efficacious with regard to all relevant outcomes than waitlist conditions. For anorexia nervosa, there were no studies ...
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uptodate.com
uptodate.com/contents/anorexia-nervosa-in-adults-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-cbt/abstract/8,11,21Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)' - UpToDate
The criteria for "good outcome" were met by significantly more of the patients receiving cognitive behavior therapy (44%) than nutritional counseling (7%).
Recent Advances in Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Eating ...
Recent research in anorexia nervosa has shown that this element of CBT-ED is associated with rapid learning of safety relating to food, ...
Absolute and relative outcomes of cognitive behavior ...
The absolute abstinence rate was 0.36 (95% CI: 0.31; 0.43) for CBT and 0.10 (95% CI: 0.08; 0.12) in controls. CBT is probably effective in the ...
Journal of Eating Disorders | Full Text
The effect of cognitive therapy is weaker in patients with AN (only approximately 30% recovery rate) compared to non-underweight eating disorder ...
Enhanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Young ...
Based on intent-to-treat analysis, 94.1% achieved a “good BMI outcome” and 73.5% met criteria for “full response” at EOIT. At follow-up, 64.7% maintained a good ...
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