Psychoeducation for Eating Disorders

SM
KG
Overseen ByKeisha Gobin, Ph.D., C. Psych
Age: Any Age
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if educating individuals with eating disorders about the risks of cannabis (marijuana) use can alter their knowledge and behavior. Researchers seek to discover whether learning about these risks encourages participants to reduce cannabis use and seek help. Participants will receive eating disorder treatment, with some also receiving information on how cannabis affects mental health and other symptoms. The study seeks individuals currently receiving treatment for an eating disorder who can understand English. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding how education can impact cannabis use in those with eating disorders.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

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 healthcare provider.

What prior data suggests that this psychoeducation is safe for eating disorder patients?

Research has shown that learning about cannabis use is generally safe. This approach involves providing information and education instead of medication or physical treatments, reducing the chance of physical side effects.

Studies have found that cannabis use can lead to problems such as relationship issues, lower success in school and work, and worse mental health, including increased anxiety and depression. However, the education aims to inform participants about these risks, not to cause them.

The trial seeks to determine if understanding these risks can help people with eating disorders make healthier choices. As this method is educational, it is expected to be safe and well-tolerated by participants.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about psychoeducation for eating disorders because it addresses the often-overlooked role of cannabis use in exacerbating mental health and eating disorder symptoms. Unlike traditional treatments that focus mainly on nutritional rehabilitation and therapy, this intervention highlights the impact of cannabis, potentially improving treatment outcomes by educating patients on its risks. Additionally, the psychoeducation control condition provides insights into the benefits of good sleep hygiene, offering a more holistic approach to managing eating disorders.

What evidence suggests that psychoeducation about cannabis use is effective for eating disorders?

Research has shown that psychoeducation can help treat eating disorders. In this trial, participants will receive different types of psychoeducation. One group will learn about the risks and effects of cannabis use, which might help them understand its impact on mental health and eating disorder treatment. Another group will receive psychoeducation about the effects of poor sleep on mental health outcomes and appropriate sleep hygiene habits. Studies have found that psychoeducation can increase knowledge and encourage behavior change. By learning about the consequences of cannabis use, patients may be more likely to reduce their use and seek help. This education aims to improve the success of eating disorder treatments by addressing issues related to cannabis.15678

Who Is on the Research Team?

SM

Sarah McComb, Ph.D., C. Psych

Principal Investigator

St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals with eating disorders who also use cannabis. Participants will receive 20 weeks of eating disorder treatment and must be willing to complete questionnaires about their knowledge, intentions regarding cannabis use, and symptoms.

Inclusion Criteria

Understands written and spoken English
I am 16 years old or older.
A patient of St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton Eating Disorder Program (i.e. is currently seeking eating disorders treatment)
See 1 more

Exclusion Criteria

Has not been diagnosed with an eating disorder
I am younger than 17 years old.
I cannot understand written or spoken English.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive 20 weeks of eating disorder treatment, with psychoeducation on cannabis use or sleep hygiene in week 1

20 weeks
Weekly visits

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Psychoeducation about risks of cannabis use

Trial Overview

The study tests if psychoeducation on the risks of cannabis improves patients' understanding, reduces their intention to use it, and enhances motivation for treatment. It compares this intervention against a control group receiving sleep hygiene education.

How Is the Trial Designed?

2

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Placebo Group

Group I: Cannabis psychoeducation interventionExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: Psychoeducation control conditionPlacebo Group1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton

Lead Sponsor

Trials
203
Recruited
26,900+

Citations

A Brief Cannabis Use Psychoeducation Intervention for ...

This intervention will provide psychoeducation to eating disorder patients about the risks of using cannabis on mood, anxiety, sleep, substance ...

A Brief Cannabis Use Psychoeducation Intervention for Eating ...

Brief psychoeducation will be provided to eating disorder patients seeking treatment regarding the impact of cannabis use on comorbid mental ...

A clinical approach to the assessment and management of co ...

Common features across therapeutic interventions include psycho-education about the aetiological commonalities, risks and sequelae of concurrent ED behaviours ...

Effectiveness of psychoeducation for children, adolescents ...

The results suggest that psychoeducation is an effective intervention for children, adolescents and caregivers in the treatment of eating disorders.

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pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37656835/

Effectiveness of psychoeducation for children, adolescents ...

The results suggest that psychoeducation is an effective intervention for children, adolescents and caregivers in the treatment of eating disorders.

Know the Effects, Risks and Side Effects of Marijuana

Research shows that people who use marijuana are more likely to have relationship problems, worse educational outcomes, lower career achievement, and reduced ...

Cannabis Use and Binge Eating: Examining the Relationship ...

The present study was a preliminary examination of the relationship between cannabis use and eating disorder and other psychiatric symptoms among individuals ...

Eating Disorders and Cannabis - NEDA

Both eating disorders and cannabis misuse can be serious. Cannabis use may cause or worsen mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, psychosis, and ...