Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

Incorporating Narrative Into the Treatment of Youth With Anorexia Nervosa (Virtual)

United States10 participantsStarted 2026-08-15

Plain-language summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether a narrative medicine (NM) curriculum can enhance self-expression, reflection, and resilience in adolescents and young adults with anorexia nervosa. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does participation in an NM curriculum improve self-expression and reflection in individuals with anorexia nervosa? * Does engaging in creative writing and group discussion promote resilience and emotional processing in this population? Participants will be 16-25 years old, medically stable for outpatient eating disorder therapy, and actively engaged in treatment. Those with active suicidal ideation, recent non-suicidal self-injury, or a co-occurring personality disorder will not be eligible. Participants will: * Attend six weekly workshops focused on themes such as self-definition, kindness, resilience, and possibility * Engage in close reading of visual or written texts * Complete creative writing exercises in response to prompts * Participate in group discussions and sharing An optional capstone reading event will provide a supportive space for participants to share their work with peers, loved ones, and providers, fostering connection and community. This study aims to explore the role of narrative medicine in eating disorder treatment and assess its potential benefits for psychological well-being and self-expression.

Who can participate

Age range

16 Years – 25 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: * 16-25 years old * have a DSM-5 diagnosis of AN (confirmed by the UCSF Eating Disorders Program clinical team), * currently engaged in outpatient eating disorder treatment, ensuring medical stability and capacity for a group-based intervention * English fluency to engage in reflective writing and discussions * Cognitive ability to meaningfully participate in narrative-based exercises Exclusion Criteria: * Currently medically unstable or require inpatient hospitalization * History of psychosis, schizophrenia spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, or personality disorder * Severe neurocognitive impairment that would prevent engagement with the intervention * Active suicidal ideation or non-suicidal self-injury within the past two months * Insufficient English proficiency to participate in group discussions and writing exercises

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

Number of participants in each session

Timeframe: Immediately post-intervention (Week 6)

Satisfaction with intervention components using 5-point Likert scales and semi-structured individual interviews

Timeframe: Immediately post-intervention (Week 6)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07579442

SponsorUniversity of California, San Francisco

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-07-01

Contact for this trial

Anoushka A Sinha, MD, MS

628-286-6116 anoushka.sinha@ucsf.edu

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Anorexia Nervosa trials