Studies

In our research lab, we are conducting a number of treatment studies that provide free treatment for anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Please read further for additional information.

Stanford University is conducting a study on virtual treatments for anorexia nervosa in adolescents.

Who can participate?

• Adolescents living with their families between the ages of 12 and 18 years of age with DSM-5 AN
• Adolescent lives with at least one family member
• Parents are able to read and speak fluent English
• Access to a computer with a reliable internet connection
• Adolescent is medically stable for remote, outpatient treatment

• Randomization to either:
  • Virtual family-based treatment (FBT-V) 
  • Online guided self-help family-based treatment (GSH-FBT)
• In addition to treatment, participants will complete assessments and questionnaires throughout the course of the study
   

If you have any questions, or are interested in signing up for the study, please email Hazal Gurcan at familytreatment@stanford.edu. Alternatively, call (650) 723 - 9182.

Stanford University is conducting an NIH-sponsored study looking at how to best train therapists in delivering Family-Based Treatment for anorexia nervosa.

Who can participate?

• Therapists that have completed a masters or doctoral training in their field (psychology, psychiatry, family therapy, social work) and are licensed in their respective state
• No reports of malpractice or loss of privileges at relevant clinical institutions
• Have computer/web access for online training and assessments
• No previous 2-day in-person workshop training in FBT
• Able to submit baseline data on weight gain from week 1-4 from a previously treated adolescent with AN they have treated in the last 6 months or alternatively one that they treat within the first 3 months of completing their initial screen.
  
  

Trainings

All participants are randomized to one of two trainings:

1. Online training which consists of 10 lectures that are self-paced with a maximum of three months to complete with each lecture bundle comprising of short didactic videos that discuss the treatment model and provide mock therapy session video clips (modeling FBT with a typical adolescent AN case), as well as supplementary readings and videotaped role-plays.
2. Webinar training which consists of 1-hour weekly webinar lectures over three months. There will be lectures discussing the scientific evidence supporting FBT, how therapists set up treatment for FBT, main interventions used in FBT during each phase, and recorded role-plays illustrating interventions throughout the 3 phases.

Both trainings are followed by post-online expert supervision for a minimum of 1 case and a maximum of 2 cases over the course of 3 months.

Contact information for participant inquiries: Kyra Citron at (650) 723-9182; kcitron@stanford.edu

Children ages 6-12 with a diagnosis of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and their families are invited to participate in a Family-Based Treatment (FBT) vs. a manualized Non-Specific Care (NSC) research study through the Stanford Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. The study consists of 14 one-hour telehealth sessions in either treatment arm, along with required medical management, over the course of 4 months. Treatment will be provided by doctoral-level, highly skilled therapists.

Recruitment age range: 6-12 years old 

Recruitment gender: All 

Contact information for participant inquiries: arfidstudy@stanford.edu

Key words: eating disorders, ARFID, Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, Family-Based Treatment 

A study for girls 14-18 who struggle with binge/purge behaviors (no formal diagnosis is required to participate). The study involves two appointments - one interview and one fMRI scan. Participants are compensated $100.

Recruitment age range: 14-18 years old

Recruitment gender: Female

Contact information for participant inquiries:  hawelch@stanford.edu

Key words: eating disorders, binge eating, emotion regulation

For general information regarding questions, concerns, or complaints about research, research related injury or the rights of research participants, please call (650) 723-5244 or toll-free 1-866-680-2906, or write to the Administrative Panel on Human Subjects in Medical Research, Administrative Panels Office, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-5401.