Online Imaginal Exposure Therapy for Eating Disorders Trial
This study is investigating a new online therapy called Imaginal Exposure (IE) for adults who have Anorexia Nervosa and are currently on a waiting list for NHS eating disorder services. The main goal is to find out if this online therapy is effective in reducing symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa and helping people gain weight, compared to simply staying on the waiting list with usual monitoring. Researchers will also look at whether IE therapy can help reduce anxiety around food and eating, and improve general feelings of anxiety and depression. Half the participants will receive four online IE sessions, while the other half will receive standard care, which usually involves nurse monitoring, while they wait for full treatment.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This research study is exploring a new way to help adults who have Anorexia Nervosa. Anorexia Nervosa is a serious eating disorder, and many people have to wait for treatment on NHS waiting lists. This study focuses on an online therapy called 'Imaginal Exposure' (IE), which has shown promise in earlier research.
Imaginal Exposure therapy involves guided imagination exercises to help people face and manage their fears related to food and eating in a safe and supportive way. The study wants to see if this online, brief therapy can make a real difference for people on waiting lists, helping to reduce their eating disorder symptoms and improve their weight, even before they start their full course of treatment. It also aims to understand if this therapy can make people feel less anxious about food and eating, and generally improve their mood.
To do this, the study will compare two groups of people. One group will receive the Imaginal Exposure therapy online, while the other group will continue with the standard care they would usually get while on a waiting list. This allows the researchers to directly compare the effects of the new therapy against what typically happens.
Key takeaways
- Tests online therapy for Anorexia Nervosa on NHS waiting lists.
- Aims to reduce symptoms and increase weight.
- Compares Imaginal Exposure therapy to standard waiting list care.
- Involves 4 online therapy sessions for some participants.
- Participation lasts about 5 weeks with two in-person visits.
- Open to adults aged 18+ with Anorexia Nervosa at a specific NHS service.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for volunteers who are adults, aged 18 or over. You need to be on the waiting list for eating disorder services at the North East London Foundation Trust (NELFT) and have a main diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa.
This study is open to people of all genders. Importantly, you must be willing and able to understand what the study involves and provide your written agreement to take part.
There are a few reasons why you might not be able to join. If you are under 18, pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, you won't be able to participate. Also, if you're already involved in another research study that might interfere with this therapy, you might not be eligible.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Are you currently on the waiting list for eating disorder services at NELFT?
- Do you have Anorexia Nervosa as your main diagnosis?
- Are you able to understand the study and agree to take part in writing?
- Are you not pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding?
- Are you not involved in another research study that might conflict with this one?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, your involvement will last for about five weeks.
At the very beginning, in Week 1, you'll have an appointment. This will ideally be in person at the service to be weighed and to complete some questionnaires. If you can't come in person, this appointment can happen online via Zoom. During this first appointment, if you are in the group receiving Imaginal Exposure therapy, you'll also have a special interview to help decide which fears about food or eating the therapy will focus on.
Then, over the next four weeks (Weeks 2, 3, 4, and 5), if you are in the therapy group, you'll have four individual online Imaginal Exposure sessions. If you are in the control group, you'll continue with your usual waiting list care, which often includes monitoring by a specialist nurse. In Week 5, everyone will complete a final set of questionnaires online, and you'll be asked to come to the service again in person to be weighed one last time.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- North East London Foundation Trust Eating Disorder ServiceLondon, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is Imaginal Exposure therapy?
It's an online therapy that uses guided imagination to help you safely face and manage fears related to food and eating.
How long will the study last?
Your involvement in the study will last for about five weeks.
Do I have to go to the hospital for every appointment?
You'll have two in-person appointments for weigh-ins at the start and end of the study. Most other sessions will be online.
What if I decide I don't want to continue with the study?
You are free to leave the study at any time, and it won't affect the care you receive from the NHS.
Will I still be on the waiting list for regular treatment?
Yes, taking part in this study means you are already on the waiting list, and your place on that list will not be affected.
How to find out more
Amber L Cameron, BA Experimental Psychology
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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