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

NCT ID NCT06171711

Ongoing Symptom relief Sponsor: Milton S. Hershey Medical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ANOREXIA NERVOSA are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

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.

ANOREXIA NERVOSA EATING DISORDERS

Contacts and locations

Locations

905 W Govener Rd

Hershey, Pennsylvania, 17033, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.