Virtual therapy helps anorexia patients face fears and stay well

NCT ID NCT05596799

Completed Prevention Sponsor: University of Louisville Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tested a virtual program called FED-F that helps people with anorexia nervosa face their fears about food, weight gain, body sensations, and social situations. The goal is to prevent relapse after intensive treatment. The study included 70 adults who had recently completed inpatient or residential care. The program uses exposure therapy and education to teach healthier coping skills.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: virtual exposure-based behavioral therapy
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer an accessible, home-based program to reduce relapse risk for people recovering from anorexia nervosa.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early pilot study with only 70 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The program is behavioral and may not work for all individuals.

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

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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.

ANOREXIA NERVOSA ANOREXIA NERVOSA IN REMISSION EATING DISORDERS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Eating Anxiety Laboratory and Clinic

Louisville, Kentucky, 40205, United States

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