Purrble's Soothing Touch for Eating Disorders and Autism
This study is investigating a special device called Purrble, which is designed to help people manage their emotions in the moment. We want to see if Purrble can be a helpful tool for individuals who are currently on the waiting list for eating disorder treatment at South London and Maudsley NHS Trust (SLaM). The study will look at how using Purrble might affect things like managing emotions, how sensitive someone is to sensory experiences, levels of depression and anxiety, and how motivated they feel to start their treatment. The goal is to gather clear evidence on whether Purrble can offer important support to people while they are waiting for their main outpatient treatment to begin.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This research is looking into a soft, cuddly device called Purrble. It's designed to help people calm themselves down and manage their feelings when they're upset or overwhelmed. We want to find out if Purrble can be a useful helping hand for people who are on the waiting list for specialist eating disorder treatment at the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust (SLaM).
Waiting for treatment can be a difficult time, and this study aims to see if Purrble can offer some support during this period. We'll be checking if using Purrble helps people with things like handling their emotions better, dealing with sensory feelings (like how they react to touch or sounds), and seeing if it reduces feelings of worry or sadness. We also want to understand if it helps people feel more ready and motivated to start their main treatment when their turn comes.
The main idea is to see if Purrble can be a helpful, comforting tool that people can use at home while they're waiting for therapy to begin. If it works well, it could provide a way to offer support and help manage difficult feelings during what can be a challenging time.
Key takeaways
- The study explores a device called Purrble for emotional support.
- It's for people aged 18+ on the SLaM eating disorder waiting list.
- Aims to help with emotion regulation and reduce anxiety while waiting.
- You must not be receiving other ED treatment or have used Purrble before.
- Participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw anytime.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and currently on the waiting list for eating disorder treatment at the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM). You must also have received a diagnosis of an eating disorder and be willing to take part for the full length of the study, giving your agreement to participate.
There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. These include if you are currently dealing with serious drug or alcohol problems, or if you are experiencing psychosis (which affects how you think and perceive the world). You also can't take part if you are at a high risk of harming yourself, or if you are already receiving a different treatment for your eating disorder.
Finally, if you have used the Purrble device before, you won't be able to join this study, as we want to see its effects on people who haven't experienced it yet.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Are you currently on the waiting list for eating disorder treatment at South London and Maudsley NHS Trust (SLaM)?
- Do you have a diagnosis of an eating disorder?
- Are you not currently receiving any other eating disorder treatment?
- Have you never used a Purrble device before?
- Are you not currently experiencing severe substance abuse, psychosis, or at high risk of self-harm?
What does participation involve?
The detailed information about what taking part involves is still being finalised by the researchers. However, generally, studies like this might involve a few steps. You would likely be asked to use the Purrble device for a certain period. Researchers would then gather information on how you're feeling, possibly through surveys, questionnaires, or short interviews, to understand if Purrble is helping you manage your emotions, sensory experiences, depression, or anxiety. This would likely happen over several weeks or months. You wouldn't be given any medication as part of this study. The total duration of your involvement in the study would be clearly explained to you before you agree to take part.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is Purrble?
Purrble is a soft, cuddly device designed to help people manage their emotions and calm down when they're feeling overwhelmed.
Do I need to be diagnosed with an eating disorder to join?
Yes, you must have a confirmed eating disorder diagnosis and be on the SLaM waiting list for treatment.
Will I stop my current treatment if I join?
No, this study is for people *waiting* for treatment. If you are already in a different eating disorder treatment, you cannot join.
Can I leave the study at any time?
Yes, you are free to leave the study whenever you want, and it won't affect any medical care you receive.
Will I get to keep the Purrble device?
Details about keeping the Purrble will be explained fully by the study team before you agree to take part.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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