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Emotional Dysregulation, Maladaptive Overcontrol in Anorexia - Effect of Radically Open Dialectical Behaviour Therapy

Emotional Dysregulation and Maladaptive Overcontrol in Anorexia Nervosa and the Effect of Radically Open Dialectical Behaviour Therapy

Status
Active, not recruiting
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT06244576
Acronym
EMARO
Enrollment
31
Registered
2024-02-06
Start date
2023-09-15
Completion date
2025-12-30
Last updated
2024-12-11

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Anorexia in Adolescence, Anorexia Nervosa, Anorexia Nervosa, Atypical

Keywords

Anorexia nervosa, Intervention, Multiple baseline case-series experimental design study, Primary outcome: EDE-Q total score, RO DBT, Feasibility

Brief summary

This clinical trial employs a two-fold approach, utilizing a single-arm feasibility design within a larger multiple baseline experimental case series study framework over 32 weeks. The study aims to investigate both the feasibility and efficacy of Radically Open Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (RO-DBT) in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). Feasibility will be assessed through treatment retention, data collection engagement, patient satisfaction, and the occurrence of adverse events. Efficacy outcomes will focus on RO-DBT's impact on ED psychopathology, obsessive-compulsive personality traits, EDR, and BMI.

Detailed description

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is characterized by high chronicity and mortality rates. Despite its relatively high prevalence, effective treatments remain elusive, often resulting in extended treatment durations and high dropout rates. Emotional dysregulation (EDR) and obsessive-compulsive personality traits are central to the psychopathology of AN, directly contributing to the disorder's severity and persistence. Radically Open Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (RO-DBT) targets the psychopathology mentioned above and has shown promise in pilot studies with AN patients. Given the urgent need for effective AN treatments and the potential of RO-DBT, this study aims to investigate both the feasibility and efficacy of this therapy in a clinical setting. The study will employ a single-arm feasibility design within a multiple baseline experimental case series framework over 32 weeks, involving 31 patients aged 16 years and older diagnosed with typical or atypical AN. All assessments will utilize validated psychometric instruments, and trained psychotherapists will administer RO-DBT. Feasibility will be assessed through: * Treatment retention * Data collection engagement * Patient satisfaction with treatment * Occurrence of adverse events. The primary efficacy outcome this trial aims to investigate is: \* Does RO-DBT reduce eating disorder psychopathology in AN as measured by the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q)? The secondary efficacy outcomes this trial aims to investigate are: * Does RO-DBT reduce emotional dysregulation in AN as measured by change in the Expressive Suppression subscore of Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ)? * Does RO-DBT reduce obsessive-compulsive personality traits in AN as measured by change in the total score of the Five-Factor Obsessive Compulsive Inventory (FFOCI-SF) * Does RO-DBT increase body weight as measured by change in Body Mass Index (BMI)? We hypothesize that RO-DBT will be a feasible treatment option for individuals with AN. Furthermore, we anticipate observing reductions in ED psychopathology and expressive suppression, alongside an increase in BMI, between pre- and post-treatment assessments.

Interventions

RO-DBT is a trans diagnostic intervention specifically designed to treat a spectrum of disorders characterized by excessive overcontrol such as anorexia nervosa, autism spectrum disorder, refractory depression, cluster c personality disorders, and mood disorders.

Sponsors

Umeå University
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
16 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Diagnosis of anorexia nervosa or atypical nervosa (i.e., in partial remission with a BMI above \ 18.5 but meets criteria B and/or C) according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual fifth edition (DSM-5) * Signed written informed consent form * Age 16-65 * Sufficient knowledge of Swedish

Exclusion criteria

* Substance dependence * Not willing to accept randomization * Undergoing simultaneous psychotherapy via another healthcare provider * Intellectual disability * Any psychiatric, medical or social condition whether or not listed above, due to which, in the judgment of the investigators and after any consults if indicated, participation in the study is not in the best interest of the patient.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
The Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q)32 weeksA 36-item self-report questionnaire designed to measure eating disorder symptoms. The range of scores is 0-132. Higher scores mean more eating disorder symptoms

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
The Five Factor Obsessive Compulsive Inventory - Short Form (FFOCI-SF)32 weeksA 48-item self-report questionnaire designed to measure obsessive-compulsive personality traits. The range of scores is 48-240. Higher scores mean more obsessive-compulsive personality traits.
The Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ)32 weeksA 10-item self-report questionnaire designed to measure adaptive and maladaptive strategies for emotion regulation. The adaptive subscale contains 6 questions and range between 6-42. Higher scores on this subscale mean more adaptive regulation strategies. The maladaptive subscale contains 4 questions and range between 4-28. Higher scores on this subscale mean more maladaptive regulation strategies.
Body mass index (BMI)32 weeksA statistical index using a person's weight and height to provide an estimate of body fat in people. A BMI of \<18.5 indicates medically underweight. A BMI of 18.5 - 25 indicates normal weight. A BMI of \>25 indicates overweight.
Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8)32 weeksAn 8-item self-report questionnaire to measure patient satisfaction with treatment

Countries

Sweden

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026