Clinical Trials and Other Research Studies
“Embrace the Data” Daniel Le Grange, PhD, F.E.A.S.T. Advisor
Research and the Treatment of Eating Disorders
F.E.A.S.T. supports evidenced-based treatment of eating disorders. This means patient care must be based on verifiable data. This data primarily arises from research studies. Studies are designed to evaluate and compare the effects of different treatment approaches on health outcomes.
Since health care costs are often a serious burden, enrolling in a clinical trial may be seen as a way to obtain otherwise expensive care at no cost to participants. Generally speaking, participants in a clinical trial have a desire to find an effective treatment (benefit to self) and a desire to add to the body of knowledge for others suffering from the same disease (benefit to others).
All reputable clinical studies should undergo review by an institutional review board (IRB), also known as an independent ethics committee or ethical review board.
F.E.A.S.T. does not endorse any particular study. Our goal is to offer caregivers and patients who may be considering this option, information that can help with this determination. We believe the decision to participate in a clinical trial is highly individual and best made between caregivers and their medical and therapeutic team.
Email F.E.A.S.T. staff iIf you have a research study or survey you would like to have us post below.
Research Currently Seeking Participants:
May 30, 2023
Survey on UK Restaurant Calorie Labelling
The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the recent UK legislation, making it mandatory for restaurants with over 250 employees to display the…
May 19, 2023
Focus Group on the Role of Psychiatrists (U.K.)
King’s College London is conducting research project on the role of a consultant psychiatrist in an eating disorder service, and are interested in your thoughts…
May 12, 2023
Development of a Pediatric Screener
Equip Health is conducting a study to create a brief survey that doctors can use in their medical appointments with children and teens to screen…
May 5, 2023
Relapse Prevention Study for Recent Higher Level of Care Patients
The University of Louisville Eating Anxiety Treatment (EAT) Laboratory and Clinic is conducting a study comparing online relapse prevention treatments for eating disorders. Our study…
May 5, 2023
Virtual Treatments for Anorexia Nervosa in Adolescents in the US
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…
April 12, 2023
Enhancing Outcomes in Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa with Cognitive Remediation Therapy
We are asking teens with anorexia nervosa and their parents to participate in a study to help us understand how to improve treatment outcomes. Currently,…
March 13, 2023
Seeking Lived Experience Stories Globally
Routledge Basics Book – Eating Disorders Written by Professor Janet Treasure, Dr Lizzie McNaught and Jess Griffiths The Basics is a highly successful series of…
March 8, 2023
Multi-Family Therapy Intervention for Restrictive Eating Disorders – Chicago, IL Area
The Chicago Center for Evidence Based Treatment and University of Illinois at Chicago are currently recruiting families to participate in our research study, a multi-family…
March 8, 2023
Binge Eating Disorder and Bulimia Nervosa Self-Care Aged 16 and Over
Hi everyone! I’m an undergraduate student studying Psychology with Education at the University College, London. I’m currently doing a project with my classmates about binge…
Important Considerations:
- If you are considering a randomized interventional trial, it is important to review all of the treatment arms (control and interventions) that will be offered. Patients randomized into “control” groups would not receive the experimental treatment or medications that are under investigation. Typically, control groups would receive placebo medications or other traditional modes of treatment. If this would be a concern to your family, it is important to directly communicate that information to the investigation staff during the application process.
- Patient safety requires that a complete and accurate medical history must be provided during the application process. It is essential to review the time commitment, special testing requirements, and all logistical aspects of study participation.
- When considering a pharmaceutical interventional trial, carefully review the risks and benefits of medications being tested, including potential side effects.
- After reviewing the study protocol, write down any questions you may have. You can ask for all answers to be provided in writing. Be sure you are comfortable with the protocols and objectives, care during and after study completion, the research team itself, and the setting where care will be provided. It’s important to consider how every requirement of participation will impact your family and your child, before consenting to any study.
- You may speak with one of the investigators at any time if you have concerns about the study itself or other staff members.
- We encourage all families considering this option for care to thoroughly review these questions.
- Although you may withdraw at any time, it is best not to enroll in a study if you have reservations from the onset.