Exposure Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores a virtual therapy for teenagers with anorexia nervosa, aiming to reduce anxiety about weight gain. The therapy, called Exposure Therapy for Anorexia (Exp-AN), involves sessions where participants confront their fears about weight gain, with parental support. Adolescents aged 14 to 17 diagnosed with anorexia nervosa and living with a parent or caregiver may be suitable candidates. Participants will engage in weekly virtual sessions, focusing on overcoming anxiety and improving eating habits. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance treatment options for anorexia nervosa.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, you cannot have any other psychotherapy while participating in this study.
What prior data suggests that this protocol is safe for adolescents with anorexia nervosa?
Research has shown that exposure therapy can help with anxiety-related disorders, including anorexia. Past studies have found this therapy promising in reducing anxiety by gradually helping people face their fears. This is crucial for treating anorexia, where anxiety about gaining weight is a major concern.
Studies report that exposure therapy is generally well-tolerated. Participants usually manage the therapy well without serious side effects. Occasionally, people might feel anxious during the exercises, but this is expected and usually temporary.
Overall, safety data from these studies suggest that exposure therapy, like the Exp-AN being tested in this trial, is safe for humans, particularly for addressing anxiety in anorexia nervosa.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Exposure Therapy for Anorexia (Exp-AN) is unique because it directly targets the anxiety around weight gain, which is a core issue in anorexia nervosa. Most treatments focus on nutritional rehabilitation or cognitive-behavioral therapy, but Exp-AN uses both real-life and imagined exposure exercises to confront and reduce these fears. The therapy's structured approach, including modules on exposure and relapse prevention, offers a novel way to help patients challenge their specific fears, potentially leading to more lasting change and empowering them to manage their anxiety about weight gain. Researchers are excited because this method could fill a critical gap in addressing the emotional aspects of anorexia that other treatments often overlook.
What evidence suggests that Exposure Therapy might be an effective treatment for anorexia nervosa?
Research has shown that exposure therapy can help treat anorexia nervosa (AN) by reducing anxiety and fear about gaining weight. In this trial, participants will receive Exposure Therapy for Anorexia (Exp-AN), which targets anxiety about weight gain by helping participants identify their specific feared consequences. One study found that virtual reality exposure therapy significantly reduced symptoms like fear of weight gain and anxiety about body image. Another study discovered that exposure therapy, combined with weight restoration, improved eating habits. This therapy helps people confront their fears safely, teaching them to manage anxiety and change their eating behaviors for the better. Overall, exposure therapy is considered a promising method for addressing the anxiety component of AN.34678
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for English-speaking adolescents aged 14-17 with anorexia nervosa, living with a parent/caregiver, mentally stable enough for outpatient care, and weighing less than or equal to 90% of their expected body weight. They must not be undergoing any other psychotherapy during the study.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive 20 weekly virtual Exp-AN sessions focusing on exposure therapy to target anxiety about weight gain
Mid-Treatment Assessment
Participants complete questionnaires and semi-structured interviews to assess progress
End-of-Treatment Assessment
Participants complete questionnaires and semi-structured interviews to evaluate treatment outcomes
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including a 3-month follow-up assessment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Exposure Therapy for Anorexia (Exp-AN)
Trial Overview
The study tests virtual Exposure Therapy (Exp-AN) as a treatment for adolescent anorexia nervosa. Participants receive 20 weekly sessions combining individual therapy and parental support to address anxiety about weight gain through exposure techniques and skill development.
How Is the Trial Designed?
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Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Exp-AN aims to target anxiety about weight gain by helping participants identify their specific feared consequences of weight gain (e.g., "I will permanently hate myself if I gain weight"), and combining in vivo (i.e., in real life) and imaginal (i.e., mental) exposure exercises to address these fears. Exp-AN consists of four core modules: (1) Treatment Rationale and Psychoeducation; (2) In-Session Weight Exposure; (3) Planning, Conducting, and Reviewing Exposures; and (4) Relapse Prevention.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Confronting Fear Using Exposure and Response Prevention ...
The aim of this study was to evaluate AN-EXRP as an adjunctive strategy to improve eating behavior during weight restoration, at a pivotal moment when treatment ...
Exposure therapy for eating disorders: A systematic review
In particular, the rates of recovery for those with AN are low, and even specialized treatments do not have long-term effects on weight gain or psychological ...
Virtual Reality Body Exposure Therapy for Anorexia ...
Results: After the intervention, there was a clear reduction in AN symptoms such as the FGW, drive for thinness, body-related anxiety and ...
Inhibitory Learning during Exposure Treatment in Anorexia ...
A recent meta-analysis showed that current psychological treatments for anorexia nervosa do not outperform the only moderately effective control conditions in ...
Food Exposure Therapy in Anorexia Nervosa
In this study you will receive one of three therapies: Exposure Therapy with DCS, Exposure Therapy with placebo (inactive medication), or Treatment as Usual.
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