Virtual Exposure Therapy for Adolescents Ages 14 to 17 with Anorexia Nervosa to Reduce Anxiety About Weight Gain

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating Exposure Therapy Exp-AN as a virtual treatment for adolescents aged 14 to 17 years with anorexia nervosa. This pilot study recruits participants from eating disorder clinic waitlists and clinician referrals at two medical centers. The therapy aims to reduce anxiety about weight gain by encouraging patients to face their fears through carefully guided challenges. Participants receive 20 weekly virtual sessions lasting 40 to 60 minutes each. Sessions combine individual therapy time with parent involvement, where parents help support skill development and treatment goals. Exp-AN includes education on the effects of undereating, in-session weight exposures, meal planning, reviewing eating behaviors, exposure exercises, and relapse prevention. Before treatment, participants complete interviews, questionnaires, and lab tests. They also take part in assessments at mid-treatment, end-of-treatment, and three months after treatment ends. Parents will complete parallel interviews. Participants cannot have other psychotherapy during the study but can continue care from dieticians, nutritionists, and psychiatrists. The study measures eating disorder symptoms, anxiety, body shape concerns, and other related outcomes throughout the treatment and follow-up periods.

Adapting Exposure for Adolescent AN