Online Relapse Prevention Methods for Eating Disorders
(ORP Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests two online methods to help prevent relapses in individuals who have recently completed intensive treatment for eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia. One method uses imaginal exposure therapy, where participants face their fears through guided imagery, while the other focuses on writing and thinking exercises. The goal is to determine which method more effectively reduces symptoms and fears associated with eating disorders. Individuals who completed intensive treatment for an eating disorder within the last four months and continue to meet specific eating disorder criteria might be suitable for this study. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative methods that could enhance recovery and prevent relapse.
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's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that both imaginal exposure therapy and writing exercises are generally well-received by participants. Imaginal exposure therapy effectively reduces anxiety and behaviors related to eating disorders. Studies have not reported any major safety concerns, indicating that this treatment is safe for most people.
For the writing and thinking exercises, research has explored various expressive writing methods for those with eating disorders. Although participants sometimes felt sad after writing, no major safety issues were reported. This suggests that the writing exercises are safe for most individuals.
Both treatments have been studied without major negative effects, demonstrating they are generally safe for people to use.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about these online relapse prevention methods for eating disorders because they offer innovative approaches compared to traditional therapy. For instance, the Imaginal Exposure Condition provides a unique way to confront fears and triggers by using mental imagery in a structured online setting, making it more accessible and less intimidating than in-person exposure therapy. Meanwhile, the Writing and Thinking Condition lets participants engage in introspective exercises that combine cognitive and emotional processing, which can enhance self-awareness and coping skills. These methods are particularly appealing because they can be done remotely, offering flexibility and convenience that standard in-person therapies often lack.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for preventing relapse in eating disorders?
Research has shown that imaginal exposure therapy, one of the treatments in this trial, can effectively reduce anxiety and symptoms of eating disorders. This therapy helps individuals confront their fears about food and weight, making symptom management easier. Participants in this trial may also receive the writing and thinking intervention, which has been reviewed as helpful in reducing eating disorder symptoms by decreasing the tendency to avoid feelings. While cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often regarded as highly effective for eating disorders, writing therapy offers a promising alternative with positive results. Both treatments in this trial aim to address core fears and improve emotional processing, which are crucial for managing eating disorders.56789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Cheri A Levinson, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Louisville
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
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
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
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
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for relapse and changes in eating disorder symptoms, fear extinction, and other psychological measures
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
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.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
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.
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.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Louisville
Lead Sponsor
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Collaborator
King's College London
Collaborator
Citations
Eating disorder symptoms and core eating disorder fears ...
Online imaginal exposure is a feasible treatment for EDs and is associated with decreases in core ED symptomatology, which are comparable in magnitude to ...
Facing Eating Disorder Fears: An Open Trial Adapting ...
Imaginal and in vivo exposure for eating disorders was a feasible intervention. •. Eating disorder symptoms and fears decreased from pretreatment to follow-up.
Study Details | NCT03712748 | Online Imaginal Exposure
In this case study, the investigators found that imaginal exposure therapy was effective at reducing anxiety and eating disorder behaviors. Imaginal exposure ...
A pilot randomized control trial of online exposure for eating ...
We will test the efficacy of the imaginal exposure treatment in reducing ED symptoms and fears of food and weight gain, and whether fear learning is a ...
Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity
These findings suggest that imaginal exposure response techniques are potentially successful to target core phobic fears and anxiety in AN and ...
Study Details | NCT03712748 | Online Imaginal Exposure
In this case study, the investigators found that imaginal exposure therapy was effective at reducing anxiety and eating disorder behaviors. Imaginal exposure ...
An examination of eating disorder fears in imaginal ...
Conclusions: Imaginal exposure scripts contained a large number of fears related to food, weight/shape, judgment, and loss of control, among ...
State mechanisms of change in eating disorder symptoms ...
Eating disorder symptoms and core eating disorder fears decrease during online imaginal exposure therapy for eating disorders. J. Affect ...
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scholarshare.temple.edu
scholarshare.temple.edu/bitstreams/4fd636da-897f-4cb6-ba9a-3d0582ceeec5/downloadIMAGINAL EXPOSURE FOR DISORDERED EATING ...
Compulsive and/or safety behaviors such as body checking, calorie counting, or ritualized eating behaviors also serve as attempts to prevent feared outcomes.
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