Can talking to an avatar help beat eating disorders?
NCT ID NCT06345040
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This completed trial tested whether virtual reality therapy can help people with anorexia or bulimia. 96 participants either received virtual reality sessions plus usual care, or usual care alone. In the VR sessions, they created an avatar representing their 'eating disorder voice' and practiced standing up to it. The study measured changes in eating disorder symptoms and depression after 12 weeks and again at 12 and 24 months.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- virtual reality therapy (avatar-based dialogue with the eating disorder voice)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a new, engaging way to help people with eating disorders challenge negative thoughts and reduce symptoms.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with only 96 participants, and the results may not apply to everyone. The therapy requires identifying an internal 'eating disorder voice,' which not all patients can do.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health - CORE
Hellerup, Copenhagen, 2900, Denmark
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