Research, eating disorders, anorexia, bulimia

** Oprah's documentary division is looking for folks who can't afford/have not been insured or otherwise denied access to a higher level of care. As part of a documentary they are making, they are offering a six-week residential treatment scholarship to a credible ED treatment center in Texas. Contact Melanie Halliden, Casting Associate, Office: 310-341-2500 x 8204, email: MHallidencasting@gmail.com. Please mention EDReferral.com when calling.

Below is a list of programs offering treatment for involvement in their studies:

San Diego, CA: UCSD fMRI Research. In conjunction with Dr. Walter Kaye and his research team, Dr Amanda Bischoff-Grethe is seeking female participants between 12 -18 years of age who have a recent (within the last six months) diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa. Qualified participants will be asked to answer questions regarding their personality and cognitive abilities and will also undergo a 1.5 hour brain imaging study. By participating in this research study you may assist physicians and researchers in developing treatments for these complex and serious disorders. You may be compensated up to $175 dollars plus mileage. For more information, contact the UCSD Eating Disorder Treatment and Research Program at edresearch@ucsd.edu or Recruitment at 858-246-0699.

San Diego, CA: UCSD Researchers Seek Males and Females with Anorexia Nervosa. The UCSD researchers are currently seeking adolescents and adults currently suffering from Anorexia Nervosa to participate in one of our three current studies. To qualify for any of the studies one must be at least 15% below ideal body weight and be fearful of weight gain, despite being underweight. Both adults and adolescents between the ages of 14-45 are needed to participate in a taste study and would be compensated for up to $70 for completing the assessments, taste tests and interview. Adults 18 years of age and older are needed to participate in a randomized control trial of the medication Quetiapine, in which they will receive either the study medication or a placebo. Subjects will be compensated up to $360 for completing study related assessments and the medication treatment. In addition, they are offering several months of family therapy treatment for families with adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18 at no cost. The adolescents in this study will also be randomly assigned to receive either the medication Fluoxetine or a placebo. For more information, contact UCSD Eating Disorder Treatment and Research Program at 858-366-2525 or email edresearch@ucsd.edu.

Stanford, CA: Stanford University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry is looking for adolescent volunteers for a new Bulimia Nervosa treatment study. This study is comparing three outpatient treatments for bulimia nervosa in adolescents ages 12-18. The treatments extend over a 6 month period and all consist of 18 sessions. The first treatment is an individual Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for adolescents (CBT), the second is a Family Based Therapy for bulimia nervosa (FBT-BN), and the third is individual Supportive Psychotherapy (SPT). Who Can Participate?: Adolescents (female or male) ages 12 to 18 with a current diagnosis of Bulimia Nervosa, Must be medically stable for outpatient treatment, Must be living with at least one parent, Must be able to speak and read English, Must be willing to be randomized to any treatment condition, Must be able to make a 1.5 year commitment. The treatment is free. The therapy sessions occur at Stanford University, and are typically scheduled weekly. If you are interested in enrolling in the study or would like to ask questions contact Brittany Alvy by phone at 650-723-9182, or by email at balvy@stanford.edu.

Stanford, CA: Stanford University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry is looking for adult volunteers for a new Anorexia Nervosa treatment study. This study compares two outpatient treatments for anorexia nervosa in adults ages 16 and over. The treatments extend over a 6 month period and both consist of 28 sessions. One treatment is comprised of 24 sessions of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), while the other consists of 8 initial sessions of Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT), followed by 16 sessions of CBT. We do not know which treatment is best, although there is evidence that both are likely to be beneficial. Who Can Participate? Adults (women and men) ages 16 and over/ Must have current diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa/ Must be medically stable for outpatient treatment/ Must be able to speak and read English/ Must be willing to be randomized to either treatment condition/ Must be able to make a 1 year commitment. The treatment is free. The therapy sessions occur at Stanford University, and are typically scheduled weekly. If you are interested in enrolling in the study or would like to ask questions contact Judy Beenhakker by phone at 650-723-7885, or by email at judybeen@stanford.edu.

The University of Chicago is looking for women to participate in a study to evaluate the treatment options available to women living with binge eating disorder. Binge-Eating Disorder is a significant public health problem for women. Despite this, there is limited research on how best to treat this disorder at varying levels of severity. The purpose of this NIMH-funded study is to enroll individuals in a brief form of cognitive-behavior therapy. If more intense treatment is needed, individuals will be randomly assigned to more intensive group and individual treatments (Cognitive-Behavior Therapy or Dialectical Behavior Therapy). Both of these treatments are talking therapies that have been adapted for women living with binge-eating disorder and are free of charge. Treatment Criteria: 18 years to 60 years, female, meet criteria for binge eating disorder, are prepared to participate in assessments and up to 28 weeks of cost-free outpatient psychotherapy. For more information call 773-834-9120 to speak to the participant coordinator at the Eating and Weight Disorders Clinic in the Department of Psychiatry at The University of Chicago Medical Center.

The University of Chicago is conducting a study to evaluate effective outpatient psychological treatments for adolescents with bulimia nervosa. You are needed if you are a family with an adolescent (12-18 years old) who has bulimia nervosa. The study requires that the adolescent and his/her parents be interviewed, fill out questionnaires, and then be assigned to one of three outpatient psychological treatments. 18 outpatient visits will be provided over a 6 month period. If you are interested and would like more information, call 773-834-5677 or email bulimia@yoda.bsd.uchicago.edu.

The University of Chicago Anorexia Nervosa PDA Study. Researcher: Daniel le Grange PhD. The purpose of this research study is to examine the relationship between various daily life experiences, personality, and eating disorder symptoms. This research is being done because currently little is known about how symptoms of anorexia nervosa are maintained by personality traits, momentary mood states, thought patterns, or life events. If you are interested visit http://psychiatry.uchicago.edu/research/volunteers/anpdastudy.html.

The University of Chicago Treatment Study for Women with Binge-Eating Disorder. Researcher: Eunice Chen PhD. The purpose of this research study is to determine how helpful different outpatient psychotherapy is for women with Binge-Eating Disorder. This study compares two outpatient treatments, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Cognitive-Behavior Therapy. For more information about this study visit http://psychiatry.uchicago.edu/research/volunteers/BED.html.

The University of Chicago ED Parent Support Project. Researcher: Daniel le Grange PhD. The purpose of this study is to examine the emotional impact of administering family-based treatment and to determine whether a therapist-guided, internet-based chat support group for parents who are implementing family-based treatment would be helpful. For more information about this study, visit http://www.edparentsupport.net/website/projectinfo.php.

The University of Chicago Adolescent Overweight Study. Researcher: Daniel le Grange PhD. The purpose of this study is to examine the emotional impact of administering family-based treatment and to determine whether a therapist-guided, internet-based chat support group for parents who are implementing family-based treatment would be helpful. For more information about this study, visit http://psychiatry.bsd.uchicago.edu/research/volunteers/adolescent_overweight.html.

The University of Chicago Treatment of Bulimic Adolescents Study. Daniel le Grange PhD. The purpose of this study is to attempt to identify an outpatient psychological treatment that is effective for adolescents with BN. For more information about this study, visit http://psychiatry.uchicago.edu/research/volunteers/adolescentBN.html.

Baltimore, MD: The Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt is looking for participants aged 12-18 years meeting the DSM-IV criteria for anorexia nervosa to take part in a family therapy study. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two types of family therapy and either a placebo or medication group. Family therapy will be given for 36 weeks and medication for a full year. Then, patients will be followed for 12-months after the end of family treatment. Hence, each family will participate for approximately 1.75-years, with a total participation time of some 50 hours. In a sub-study, blood will be drawn from those volunteering for genetic analysis; this is optional. If you are interested in finding out more about this study and live in the Baltimore metro area, call 410-427-3854.

Baltimore, MD: Bulimia Research Study. The Johns Hopkins Eating Disorders Program is seeking women 18-40 years old with bulimia nervosa interested in a research study funded by the Klarman Family Foundation. The study includes a health assessment, blood testing and pictures of the brain taken using a medical scanner. Eligible women will be paid up to $400 for their participation and will be offered 6 weeks of outpatient treatment. Call 410-955-3863 for more information (*for Baltimore Residents only).

Free and Confidential Bulimia Treatment Bulimia Nervosa Study: Do you have eating binges? Do you compensate by vomiting or other extremes? If so, and if you are female and between the ages of 18-65, you may be eligible for reduced-fee treatment as part of a treatment research study. Researchers are investigating two active treatments, including education and counseling, for bulimia nervosa. If you are interested, contact the Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders. Free confidential treatment is available to those who are interested and eligible for research studies being conducted. Researchers are investigating active treatments, including education and counseling, for bulimia nervosa. If you are interested in participating or would like more information about the project contact the Center at 617-353-9610 and ask for research assistants Michele Crisafulli, Dana Satir, and Jolie Weingeroff, or to speak to the receptionist. You can also email registered nurse, Bonnie Brown bonnieb@bu.edu with any questions about the Program. Study participation is dependent on screening and eligibility criteria. For initial screenings and information, call 617-353-9610 or visit www.bu.edu/anxiety.

Free and Confidential Treatment for Women with Low-weight and Anorexia. Researchers are conducting a study to contrast the effects of two different approaches to treating women with low-weight eating disorders. One approach, commonly used in the eating disorders treatment community, focuses on the behavior changes that are necessary to increase nutritional intake (and therefore to gain weight), along with the motivation to change these behaviors. The other approach, also commonly used by eating disorders therapists and supported by the research evidence, focuses on your feelings about these changes, feelings about treatment, obstacles to change, and the feelings that may underlie the symptoms, in addition to your goals regarding your eating disorder symptoms. Parts of each of these approaches have received support from research studies, but they have not been investigated in this particular way. In this study, each participant will have the opportunity to experience both of these approaches in their brief treatment, and we may find out what is useful to you. If you are interested in participating or would like more information about the project, contact the Center at 617- 353-9610 and ask to speak with Dana Satir.

University of Minnesota Eating Disorder Research Study. Women ages 18 and older who struggle with binge eating and purging are needed for a research study providing free therapy. For more information visit http://www.med.umn.edu/psychiatry/research/eatingdisorders/home.html or call 612-627-1991.

New York, NY: The National Institute of Mental Health is sponsoring a multi-center international study to compare two types of family therapy as well in the treatment of adolescents with anorexia nervosa. We are looking for families with an adolescent with anorexia nervosa between the ages of 12-18 years. Participation involves completing assessment interviews, questionnaires, and engaging in 16 family therapy sessions over the course of nine months. The study is being held at the Eating Disorders Research Program, The Westchester Division of New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Medical College of Cornell University. Contact Research Coordinator, Samantha Berthod, MA 914-997-4395.

New York, NY: Family Therapy Treatment for Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa Involves family therapy and medication Age: 12-18 years and families Criteria: Diagnosis of anorexia nervosa and family involvement Duration/Length: 16-18 sessions (1 hour) over 6 months. For more information contact Samantha at 914-997-4395 or email sab2024@med.cornell.edu.

Durham, NC: Duke Eating Disorders Program Treatment Study for Adolescents. Currently enrolling families in treatment study for adolescents with anorexia nervosa. Participants receive 6 months of psychotherapy at no cost and complete 6 months of follow-up assessment for which they receive monetary compensation. For more information, call 919-684-0149 or email edresearch@duke.edu.

Pittsburgh, PA: Volunteers Needed for Anorexia Nervosa Treatment Study. Researchers at the Center for Overcoming Problem Eating at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center are conducting a study to test the efficacy of a new outpatient psychotherapy for older adolescents and adults with anorexia nervosa. Eligible participants will be offered 9-12 months of individual psychotherapy, medical monitoring, and nutrition counseling. All treatment will be provided at no cost. If you are 17 years of age or older, have anorexia nervosa, and are able to attend treatment in Pittsburgh, you may be eligible to participate. Dr. Jennifer Wilde, call 412-246-5841 for more information.

Pittsburgh, PA Study: The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center announces a new clinical psychotherapy trial for bulimia nervosa. This study will compare two different ways to deliver cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) which is the treatment of choice for bulimia. Patients will be assigned by chance to either experimental face to face group CBT or an experimental, internet-delivered CBT with a therapist-moderated chat group. There is no cost for participating in this trial. If you are 18 years or older and have a home computer with internet access, you may be eligible. Contact the Research Coordinator Joanna Gould at 412-578-9338 for more information.

Evaluation of a web-based multi media intervention for carers of people with anorexia nervosa. This project examines whether an internet-based intervention for carers (or significant others) of people with anorexia nervosa is effective and useful. The interactive web programme aims to give carers information and skills to help them help their relative, cope with care-giving and reduce distress, which may in turn help the individual with anorexia nervosa. It was developed by the IoP Section of Eating Disorders/SLaM Eating Disorders Unit in collaboration with beat (formally known as the Eating Disorders Association and is the UK’s leading eating disorders charity), Dr Chris Williams from the University of Glasgow, Media Innovations and patients and carers. The programme includes information on how to communicate with a person with anorexia; how to support them at meal times, facilitate weight gain and re-establish healthy eating; how to manage crises and conflict; and how to assess and manage risk. 60 carers are needed for this study. The duration of the intervention is 7 weeks with a 3-month follow up assessment. To be eligible you need to be currently caring for a person who is suffering from a form of anorexia nervosa and have the ability to read and understand English. To find out more, contact Judy Slater (08) 8201 5563 or email: judith.slater@flinders.edu.au.

Are you the parent of a child who is currently receiving outpatient treatment for Anorexia Nervosa? If so, we’d like to talk to invite you to participate in an anonymous study that examines the experience of caring for a child with Anorexia Nervosa. As research psychologists, we are interested in how a child’s eating disorder affects the parents and family – including coping reactions and significant relationships. Few medical or psychological resources are available to support parents who may face their own challenges with respect to the diagnosis of and treatment for their child’s Anorexia. We hope our research findings will contribute to enhanced understanding of how a child’s illness affects the families so that more support services for parents can be developed and provided. If your child is between the ages of 9-22, is receiving outpatient treatment for Anorexia Nervosa, and is currently living with you at home, we invite you to participate in this important study. Participation will involve: Completing a series of questionnaires online that will take approximately 15-30 minutes. -- Your name and any identifying information will not be linked to your responses. -- Publications or presentations emanating from the research will not include individual responses, only group data will be presented. Click the following the link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VN5VTDF and enter the password: participate (in all lowercase letters). You will be directed to an informed consent letter followed by a series of brief questionnaires for you to complete. If you would like further information please contact Lauren F. Stack at lfstack@gmail.com or Dr. Merle Keitel at mkeitel@fordham.edu for information. NOTE: This research study has received IRB (Institutional Review Board) approval from Fordham University and researchers will adhere to the American Psychological Association’s Code of Ethics. Primary investigators for this study are Merle A. Keitel, Ph.D., Professor of Counseling Psychology, Fordham University, and Lauren F. Stack, M.S., Doctoral Candidate in Counseling Psychology, Fordham University.

Research on sibling relationships in individuals who suffer from an eating disorder. Researcher: Katie Lanflisi, MA, Psychological Trainee, California School of Professional Psychology Alliant International University 5130 E. Clinton Way Fresno, CA. For more more information visit http://alliant.qualtrics.com/SE?SID=SV_4JDUgx3qLXexGUQ&SVID=Prod.

African American participants with an eating disorder. Researcher: Michaela Muehlbach. Research project looks at African American women’s eating behaviors. Goal: Better understand the typical patterns of eating behavior in Black women and make sure that Black women are no longer ignored in research. Website. http://forestinstitute.qualtrics.com/SE?SID=SV_5j1fjSfkUkZia7q&SVID=Prod.

Participants Needed for Online Research Study on Women with a History of Anorexia Nervosa. Research study examines various aspects of internal and external control as they relate to eating attitudes and recovery. Currently recruiting participants who have recovered from anorexia as well as those who remain symptomatic. I\Participants needed: women between the ages of 18-45, who were initially diagnosed with anorexia nervosa between the ages of 13-25. The Institutional Review Board at Fielding Graduate University has approved this research; your participation is voluntary and anonymous. The study will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. You may click on the following link to participate: https://www.psychdata.com/s.asp?SID=131090. For more information, call Summer at 415-302-5486 or email anorexiarecovery@yahoo.com.

If you need treatment and you do not have medical insurance, this site may be helpful: http://www.coverageforall.org/

Free Christian-Based Treatment: For over 25 years, Mercy Ministries of America has provided hope and healing to generations of desperate young women who are seeking freedom from life-controlling problems such as eating disorders. Their free-of-charge biblically-based program serves a diverse population of young women from various socio-economic backgrounds, aged 13-28. Many of the girls, who come to Mercy for help, are facing a combination of debilitating circumstances and have been in various treatment facilities with unsuccessful long-term results. They are committed to providing the young women they serve with the most excellent program services that allow them to recognize their self-worth and prepare them to reach their full potential. Their non-conventional approach to healing allows young women to permanently stop destructive cycles and prepares them to take hope out into their communities. www.mercyministries.org

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*The information above is provided by the professionals themselves. EDReferral.com does not endorse these providers. It is up to you to interview and screen the provider that is best suited for you.