Can facing fears help treat anorexia? new study tests exposure therapy

NCT ID NCT06171711

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This pilot study is testing a new type of exposure therapy for people with anorexia nervosa. The therapy helps patients face their fears about eating and weight gain through real-life and mental exercises. The study involves 30 participants and aims to see if the therapy is feasible, acceptable, and helpful in reducing symptoms.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Exposure therapy (behavioral intervention combining real-life and mental exposure to feared foods and weight gain scenarios)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a more effective treatment for anorexia nervosa that helps people overcome fear of food and weight gain.

What could go wrong

This is a very small pilot study with only 30 participants, so results may not apply widely. It is early-stage research, and the therapy may not prove effective or acceptable to all.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anorexia nervosa eating disorder Feeding and Eating Disorders

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • 905 W Govener Rd

    Hershey, Pennsylvania, 17033, United States