New teletherapy aims to help anorexia patients find joy beyond food

NCT ID NCT05799872

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Virginia Commonwealth University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Aug 12, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tests a remote behavioral therapy called PAT-AN for adults recovering from anorexia. The therapy focuses on enhancing the brain's reward response to non-food experiences, like hobbies or socializing, to reduce reliance on weight-loss behaviors. Participants will receive 24 weeks of teletherapy, and researchers will track changes in BMI, eating disorder symptoms, and mood.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Positive Affect Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa (PAT-AN) - a behavioral therapy delivered via teletherapy
What this could lead to: If successful, this therapy could help people recovering from anorexia enjoy non-food-related rewards, reducing relapse risk and improving quality of life.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage trial with only 90 participants, and the therapy is an adaptation of an existing treatment. Results may not generalize to all patients, and the remote delivery may not suit everyone.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anorexia nervosa

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ANOREXIA NERVOSA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Virginia Commonwealth University
RECRUITING

Richmond, Virginia, 23298, United States

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