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:
November 28, 2023
Emotion Coaching for US Caregivers
Drexel University is testing the feasibility and acceptability of a four-session, group-based, emotion-coaching intervention for caregivers of adolescents (12-18, any diagnosis) involved in any level…
November 7, 2023
FBT Study in New York
Individuals between the ages of 12 and 18 may be eligible to participate in a study at Mount Sinai providing treatment for eating disorders. Participation…
October 19, 2023
UK Caregivers: Views on Calorie Labels on Menus
A group of British researchers are seeking to understand how calorie labels on menus affect young people and adults with eating disorders. In April 2022,…
September 19, 2023
Seeking Carers to Participate in Delphi Study
Researchers from Monash University in Australia are currently conducting an international Delphi study to reach consensus on the most important treatment targets and strategies for…
September 14, 2023
Seeking Parents Using Family Based Treatment
Researcher at Coventry and Warwick Universities is looking for participants who are parents of a child currently engaged in Family Based Treatment for their eating…
September 6, 2023
Parent/Carer Input for a Virtual Reality Café
We know that virtual reality (VR) can help treat mental illnesses like anxiety. Some studies suggest it might be helpful for people with an eating…
August 11, 2023
Participants Sought for Research Study – Aged 16-25 with Eating Difficulties
ARE YOU AN ADOLESCENT, AGED 16-25 YEARS OF AGE WHO HAS EATING DIFFICULTIES? IF SO, PLEASE CONSIDER TAKING PART IN THE RESEARCH STUDY What is…
August 1, 2023
Seeking US Families for Study on Risk and Protective Factors
The Stice Lab at Stanford University is hoping to learn more about risk and protective factors of disordered eating. We are specifically looking for three…
July 24, 2023
Study on Canadian COVID Regulations and Youth Psychiatric Inpatients
Navigating children’s best interests in child psychiatric inpatient settings during the height of the COVID pandemic: a qualitative participatory research study McGill University is conducting…
July 12, 2023
Online questionnaire to aid in the development of a new measure that could improve the detection of eating disorders
Researchers from the Psychology Department at Rutgers University are developing a new measure to assess eating disorder-related positive emotions, and are seeking feedback on this…
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.