NCT05763849 · Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Interoceptive Exposure for Adolescents With Low Weight Eating Disorders
What this study is about
This project includes a parallel group randomly assigned controlled trial comparing two psychological treatments: 1) Exposure-based Family Therapy (IE) vs. 2) Family Based Therapy (FBT) for low weight eating disorders with 12 month follow-up. Primary outcomes are expected body weight and clinical impairment.
View original scientific description
This project includes a parallel group randomized controlled trial comparing two psychological treatments: 1) Exposure-based Family Therapy (IE) vs. 2) Family Based Therapy (FBT) for low weight eating disorders with 12 month follow-up. Primary outcomes are expected body weight and clinical impairment. Three mechanisms of change (Autonomous Eating, Non-Judgmental Body Awareness, and Extinction Learning) will be examined in a process mediation models of change.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Interoceptive Exposure Treatment (IE)
Interoceptive Exposure Therapy (IE) targets food avoidance in Anorexia Nervosa. Each session the therapist weighs the patient, checks-in, and reviews weekly homework. Sessions occur weekly for 20 weeks, with the first session lasting 1.5 hours and the remaining sessions one hour. Early sessions include using exposure to foods and counterconditioning to pair a positive stimulus with a food that would typically produce food avoidance. Parents are trained to model this at home. Sessions mid-way through address the use of non-judgmental description of appearance during mirror exposure. Sessions at the end of the 20 weeks are focused on recognizing change, planning for future obstacles, and developing a relapse prevention plan to continue practicing distress tolerance, counter-conditioning, and food/body exposure.
BEHAVIORAL
Family-Based Treatment (FBT)
Family-Based Therapy (FBT) includes parent-enforced contingencies to increase value of eating and decrease the value of food avoidance. Each session the therapist weighs the patient, checks-in, and reviews weekly homework. Sessions occur weekly for 20 weeks, with the first session lasting 1.5 hours and the remaining sessions one hour. Sessions consist of checking in with the patient, discussion of the week's implementation of refeeding, and helping parents separate the illness from their child. In session 2, a family meal provides the therapist with an opportunity for direct observation of the familial interaction patterns around eating. The therapist makes careful and persistent requests for united parental action toward re-feeding and/or regulating eating habits, the primary concern at this point of the treatment, and the therapist tries to create and reinforce a strong parental alliance around efforts at feeding the child.
Primary outcome measures
Change in Expected Body Weight Percentage
Time frame: Baseline and 6-months
Expected body weight percentage will be calculated at baseline and end of treatment (6-months) to calculate difference.
Change in Expected Body Weight Percentage
Time frame: Baseline and 18-months
Expected body weight percentage will be calculated at baseline and 1 year after treatment (18-months) to calculate difference.
Change in Impairment
Time frame: Baseline and 6-months
Impairment is measured using the Clinical Impairment Assessment, which is a 16-item self-report measure of impairment from eating disorders. Responses are scored using 0, 1, 2, or 3 and the score is calculated using the sum of all items. Possible scores range between 0 - 48, with higher scores indicating more impairment and lower scores indicating less impairment. Change in impairment will be calculated using the baseline and end of treatment (6-months) scores from CIA.
Change in Impairment
Time frame: Baseline and 18-months
Impairment is measured using the Clinical Impairment Assessment, which is a 16-item self-report measure of impairment from eating disorders. Responses are scored using 0, 1, 2, or 3 and the score is calculated using the sum of all items. Possible scores range between 0 - 48, with higher scores indicating more impairment and lower scores indicating less impairment. Change in impairment will be calculated using the baseline and 1 year after treatment (18-months) scores from CIA.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Speak English
- Permission from pediatrician or equivalent to receive outpatient care
- Clinically significant restriction of food intake by EDA-5 or evidence of persistent food avoidance from patient or guardians
- Evidence of the inability to maintain greater than minimally low body weight based on BMI for age percentiles and growth trajectories
Exclusion criteria
- Comorbid psychotic or bipolar disorder
- Active suicidal ideation
- Current substance dependence
- Psychiatric medication initiated or dosage changes \<2 weeks from baseline
- Major medical illness (e.g., diabetes mellitus, Crohn's disease, etc.)
Where
- New York, New York
Collaborators
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 22, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations