New teletherapy aims to help anorexia patients find joy beyond food

NCT ID NCT05799872

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

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.

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

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Virginia Commonwealth University

    RECRUITING

    Richmond, Virginia, 23298, United States