About the Study
The purpose of this study is to help us understand individual features of eating disorders and suicide in adults with Anorexia Nervosa and Atypical Anorexia Nervosa. This National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) supported study will allow us to identify individual symptoms that maintain eating disorders and suicide in people with Anorexia Nervosa and Atypical Anorexia. The knowledge from this study has the potential to inform personalized treatments for suicide and eating disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I qualify for this study?
You must be between the ages of 18 and 65 years old to participate. You must also currently meet criteria for Anorexia Nervosa (AN) or OSFED-Atypical AN and must be medically stable. All inclusion criteria will be evaluated during a screener questionnaire and an initial Zoom study visit (see below). Finally, you will need to have access to a smartphone to complete the mobile-app questionnaires during the three-week mobile app and sensor section of the study to be considered eligible.
Where does the study take place?
This virtual study can be completed from anywhere in the United States!
What will the study involve?
Participants will complete a brief survey to establish initial eligibility. Those that are eligible will then complete some baseline questionnaires (approximately 60-90 minutes). Participants will then complete surveys on their smartphone multiple times a day for three weeks while also wearing a sensor wristband which will be mailed to them. Participants will then be asked to complete follow-up assessments at 1-month, six-months, and 12-months (approximately 60 minutes each) after the main portion of the study. Participants can be paid up to $350 for participating in this study.
What are the benefits of participation?
The potential direct benefits are that answering surveys about suicide and eating disorder symptoms may cause awareness and increase self-monitoring of cognitions and behaviors. Self-monitoring has been shown to be associated with improved behavioral outcomes.
Furthermore, the information provided in this study may lead directly to novel treatments and preventions delivered via mobile and sensor technology, ultimately preventing relapse and promoting full recovery. This study has the potential to decrease the mortality, societal cost, individual and family burden, and significant health, social, and physical impairments present in suicide and eating disorders.
Are there any risks associated with participating?
As part of the initial assessments, which are necessary to screen for eligibility to continue participating in the remainder of the study, you will be asked to provide information on sensitive topics, such as eating disorder behaviors and suicide. The screening materials used in this study are validated measures and appropriate for screening participants with eating disorders and suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
If you do become distressed, it will likely be for a short period during the screening. All members of the research team who conduct screenings are clinical psychology doctoral students, masters students, or advanced research assistants who are highly trained in how to address participant distress, including providing referral information and treatment resources.
In the unlikely event that you become upset beyond the scope of the screening, Dr. Levinson and Dr. Smith will be on-call to provide resources to you. You will be given the numbers for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, local crises centers, and emergency rooms should your distress worsen in the future. Additionally, you will be reminded that you may discontinue participation at any point should you wish. We use highly secure teleconference software or telephones to complete the screening assessments.
Will I be compensated for this study?
You will be paid up to $350 for participation, depending on how many mobile-phone application questions and follow- up assessments you complete.
Who can I contact for more information?
Those interested can contact the study principal investigator, Cheri Levinson at cheri.levinson@louisville.edu or April Smith at ars0152@auburn.edu. Potential participants can also email traceatingbehaviors@gmail.com or call our Study Coordinator at 334-521-2153.