Peer Coaching for Eating Disorders
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a new approach for treating eating disorders by adding coaching support to the usual therapy. It aims to determine if involving parents with coaching or educational materials can benefit both caregivers and patients. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either parent coaching with patient educational materials or parent educational materials with patient coaching. Ideal candidates are teens aged 12 to 18 diagnosed with an eating disorder, currently receiving treatment, and able to participate with their parents.
As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity for families to explore innovative support methods that could enhance current treatment approaches.
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 seems focused on coaching and educational support rather than medication changes.
What prior data suggests that this coaching approach is safe for treating eating disorders?
Research has shown that teaching parents and educating patients have been explored in various ways. For example, adding emotion coaching to family-based treatment has proven helpful for teenagers with eating disorders like anorexia nervosa. These coaching methods are usually well-received, with few reports of serious side effects.
The safety of parent education and patient coaching is also encouraging. Previous studies have used these methods in eating disorder treatments without major problems. Families often find the support beneficial, and research has reported no major safety issues.
Overall, teaching parents and educating patients appear to be safe additions to standard treatment for eating disorders, according to past studies.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about these treatments for eating disorders because they focus on enhancing support through a unique combination of roles for parents and patients. Unlike typical therapies that mainly target patients, one approach emphasizes empowering parents with coaching while educating the patient, and the other reverses these roles. This dual strategy leverages the family unit as a direct part of treatment, potentially increasing the effectiveness of interventions by involving loved ones in a more structured way. By providing tailored educational materials and coaching, these treatments aim to create a more supportive environment for recovery, which could improve outcomes compared to traditional therapy alone.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for eating disorders?
Research has shown that online programs for parents can reduce the risk and occurrence of eating disorders like bulimia and binge eating in high-risk groups. In this trial, one group will receive Parent Coaching and Patient Education. Coaching for parents, which includes teaching new skills, can increase their confidence and reduce anxiety and stress. Another group will receive Parent Education and Patient Coaching, where patients will receive coaching to improve recovery skills and gain more emotional support. Studies have found that this coaching can lead to better family interactions and assist with healthy weight gain. Overall, combining coaching and education for both parents and patients can strengthen the recovery process from eating disorders.36789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Tom Hildebrandt
Principal Investigator
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for English-speaking children aged 12-18 with an eating disorder diagnosis, who are receiving treatment at a specific center and have access to a phone with WiFi or data. Both the parent and child must be willing to participate. It's not suitable for those with learning or developmental disorders, or if there's an acute suicide risk.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Assessment
Patients and parents complete online questionnaires measuring self-efficacy, quality of life, and illness related distress/impairment
Treatment
Participants receive 12 weeks of eating disorder therapy with either parent coaching/patient education or parent education/patient coaching
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in efficacy, stress, and eating disorder symptoms
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Parent Coaching and Patient Education
- Parent Education and Patient Coaching
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Lead Sponsor