Online Relapse Prevention Methods for Eating Disorders

(ORP Trial)

Overseen By Taylor E Penwell, B.A.

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Louisville

Disqualifiers: Suicidality, Psychosis, Mania, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

Duration: 4 weeks

130 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of this study is to collect preliminary data on the feasibility and acceptability of the randomization of two relapse-prevention treatment conditions after discharge from intensive eating disorder (ED) treatment: an imaginal exposure therapy and a writing and thinking intervention. The second aim to test for (a) differences between the two treatments for the prevention of relapse and (b) preliminary change on clinical ED outcomes (e.g., ED symptoms, fears). The investigators further aim to examine the two treatments target fear extinction and if fear extinction is associated with ED outcomes. The investigators also plan to test if baseline differences in fear conditioning relate to change in ED outcomes across treatment.

Research Team

Cheri A Levinson, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Louisville

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults over 18 who've recently left intensive treatment for eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia. It's not suitable for those with severe mental health issues, medical instability, or anyone discharged from care over a month ago.

Inclusion Criteria

I was discharged from an intensive care program within the last month.

I am over 18 years old.

I have been diagnosed with anorexia, atypical anorexia, or bulimia.

Exclusion Criteria

You do not have anorexia, atypical anorexia, or bulimia.

I was discharged from intensive treatment over a month ago.

high and active suicidality, psychosis, mania, or medical compromised status will be excluded, as these comorbidities would make it difficult to complete study procedures

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo either imaginal exposure therapy or a writing and thinking intervention, with one phone session followed by four online sessions over one month

4 weeks

1 phone session, 4 online sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for relapse and changes in eating disorder symptoms, fear extinction, and other psychological measures

6 months

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Imaginal Exposure Condition
• Writing and Thinking Condition

Trial Overview The study compares two relapse-prevention methods post-eating disorder treatment: imaginal exposure therapy and a writing/thinking task. It aims to see which better prevents relapse and improves symptoms and fears related to eating disorders.

Participant Groups

Group I: Imaginal Exposure Condition Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will complete one phone session including education about the treatment followed by four online sessions of imaginal exposure across a one month time period. Each session is separated by 1 week.

Group II: Writing and Thinking Condition Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants will complete one phone session including education about the treatment followed by four online sessions of a writing and thinking intervention across a one month time period. Each session is separated by 1 week.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Louisville

Lead Sponsor

Trials

353

Recruited

76,400+

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Collaborator

Trials

3,007

Recruited

2,852,000+

King's College London

Collaborator

Trials

772

Recruited

26,130,000+