RecruitingNot Applicable

Non-invasive Cranial Electrical Stimulation for Mealtime Anxiety in Adults With Eating Disorders

United States30 participantsStarted 2025-06-03

Plain-language summary

The study is to evaluate the feasibility of using a non-invasive brain stimulation device in a sample of inpatients with eating disorders (ED). The study will help researchers evaluate whether their device protocol is practical for eating disorder inpatients as a way to manage eating disorder and anxiety symptoms. A secondary aim of the study is to evaluate preliminary effectiveness of the protocol for reducing pre-meal anxiety during the treatment, and explore effects on eating disorder symptoms over the course of the inpatient admission.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 30 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion criteria

. Age 18-30 years old at the time of enrollment
. Enrolled in Rogers Behavioral Health Eating Disorder Recovery Program Inpatient Unit at the Oconomowoc, WI clinic location
. Have a primary diagnosis of any DSM-5 eating disorder (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, other specified feeding or eating disorder)
. Ability to communicate effectively using written and spoken English
. Participant is eligible for mealtime anxiety support based on:

Exclusion criteria

. Metal in the body of any kind (e.g., braces, pacemakers, metal plates or screws, intracranial electrodes, implanted devices/defibrillators, prostheses)

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Percentage of patients who were recruited, enrolled and completed the study

Timeframe: From recruitment to end of study intervention at day 3.

Patient-reported dropout reason

Timeframe: Anytime from enrollment to the end of study intervention at day 3.

Patient-reported side effects

Timeframe: Before the first session on days 2 and 3 of the study intervention.

Patient perception of acceptability as assessed by the Credibility and Expectancy Questionnaire

Timeframe: Baseline, Days 2 and 3 of study intervention.

Percent completion of study data collection

Timeframe: At end of patient's participation and end of admission on inpatient unit.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07017322

SponsorRogers Behavioral Health

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-11-01

Contact for this trial

Hana F Zickgraf, Ph.D.

262-303-0170 hana.zickgraf@rogersbh.org

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Eating Disorders trials