Actively Recruiting
Virtual Reality Exposure to Reduce Food Related Anxiety in Anorexia Nervosa
Led by University of Padova · Updated on 2025-01-29
60
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
91 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Padova
Lead Sponsor
U
University of Salerno, Italy
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Exposure to food stimuli often elicit aversive emotions in patients with anorexia nervosa, which can perpetuate eating-related avoidance. Exposure therapy has been shown to effectively reduce anxiety toward, and avoidance of, feared stimuli in several psychiatric disorders. Digital technologies, such as virtual reality (VR) have been employed to implement exposure therapy in situations where in vivo exposure is unfeasible, challenging, or perceived as threatening by patients. VR has also the potential to be used by individuals repeatedly in their own time and environment, to consolidate new learning. This pilot randomised controlled study evaluates the feasibility and clinical impact of repeated VR exposure to food stimuli in patients with anorexia nervosa attending intensive daycare treatment (treatment as usual, TAU). VR food exposure will be compared to the use of a relaxation-focused VR scenario (natural environment) and a control condition (no use of VR). Patients in all groups will receive TAU.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Virtual Reality Exposure to Reduce Food Related Anxiety in Anorexia Nervosa
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Current diagnosis of anorexia nervosa according to DSM-5 criteria
- 14 years or older
You will not qualify if you...
- Diagnosis of neurological disorders
- Diagnosis of psychosis or substance abuse disorders
- Visual or hearing impairments not corrected by glasses or ear implants
- Non-tolerance of exposure to virtual reality (e.g., cybersickness, dizziness)
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University Hospital of Padova
Padova, Italy, Italy, 35121
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
V
Valentina Cardi, PhD
CONTACT
V
Valentina Meregalli, PhD
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
3
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