Narrative Medicine for Anorexia Nervosa
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how a narrative medicine workshop can help young people with anorexia nervosa improve self-expression, reflection, and resilience. Participants will engage in creative writing, read visual or written texts, and join group discussions over six weekly sessions. The goal is to determine if these activities promote emotional well-being and better coping skills. The trial seeks individuals aged 16-25 who have anorexia nervosa, are medically stable, and are currently in outpatient treatment. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative therapeutic approaches that could enhance emotional well-being.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on narrative medicine activities, so it's likely you can continue your current treatment, but please confirm with the trial coordinators.
What prior data suggests that this narrative medicine workshop series is safe for individuals with anorexia nervosa?
Research has shown that narrative medicine programs are generally well-received and lead to positive results. Studies of similar programs report high satisfaction among participants and improvements in self-expression and emotional management. No reports of harmful side effects or negative events have emerged from these workshops. This suggests that the narrative medicine program is safe for adolescents and young adults with anorexia nervosa.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the Narrative Medicine (NM) Workshop Series for anorexia nervosa because it offers a unique, non-traditional approach to treatment. Unlike standard therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or medical interventions, this program enhances self-expression and reflection through creative outlets. By engaging participants in close reading, creative writing, and group discussions, the NM workshops promote resilience and community, which could lead to a deeper emotional healing process. This innovative method targets the emotional and psychological aspects of anorexia in a novel way, potentially offering new hope for those who struggle with the condition.
What evidence suggests that this narrative medicine workshop series is effective for anorexia nervosa?
Research has shown that narrative medicine positively affects the mental well-being of people with anorexia nervosa. In one study, activities like creative writing and group discussions helped participants understand and express their emotions better. They often felt more connected to others and stronger in facing challenges. A small study also suggested that narrative medicine might help manage anorexia symptoms by encouraging reflection and self-awareness. Participants in this trial will engage in a six-week Narrative Medicine (NM) Workshop Series, which could serve as a useful tool for those dealing with this eating disorder.46789
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 people aged 16-25 who have anorexia nervosa, are medically stable, currently in outpatient treatment, and able to participate in group activities and creative writing in English. Those with active suicidal thoughts, recent self-harm, or certain personality disorders cannot join.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants attend six weekly workshops focused on themes such as self-definition, kindness, resilience, and possibility
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for psychological well-being and self-expression after the intervention
Optional Capstone Event
Participants may opt to participate in a capstone reading event to share their work 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 six-week virtual workshop series using narrative medicine—creative writing, reading texts, and group discussions—to see if it helps young people with anorexia express themselves better and build resilience.
How Is the Trial Designed?
1
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
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 on Zoom 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
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of California, San Francisco
Lead Sponsor
Citations
1.
narrativemed.ucsf.edu
narrativemed.ucsf.edu/our-programs/narrative-medicine-adolescents-anorexia-nervosaNarrative 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).
Adolescent Eating Disorder Day Programme Treatment ...
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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- ...
“Name it to tame it”: piloting a narrative medicine clinical ...
This is the first known study of narrative medicine for adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN), an eating disorder associated with significant ...
Eating disorder outcomes: findings from a rapid review of over ...
Eating disorders (ED), especially Anorexia Nervosa (AN), are internationally reported to have amongst the highest mortality and suicide rates in mental health.
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- ...
Division of Narrative Medicine
The Division of Narrative Medicine directs scholarship, leads research, and educates clinicians and students to fortify patient care with skills and ...
Narrative Medicine for Anorexia Nervosa
... Narrative Medicine (NM) Workshop Series will have tolerable side effects & efficacy for patients with Anorexia Nervosa and Anorexia Nervosa. See if you qualify
Content and outcomes of narrative medicine programmes - PMC
Evaluation suggests that NM programming leads to high participant satisfaction and positive outcomes across various competencies.
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