Online Relapse Prevention Study

A Pilot Randomized Control Trial of a Relapse Prevention Online Exposure Protocol for Eating Disorders and Mechanisms of Change

The purpose of this study is to collect preliminary data on the feasibility and acceptability of the randomization of two relapse-prevention treatment conditions after discharge from intensive eating disorder (ED) treatment: an imaginal exposure therapy and a writing and thinking intervention. The second aim to test for (a) differences between the two treatments for the prevention of relapse and (b) preliminary change on clinical ED outcomes (e.g., ED symptoms, fears). The investigators further aim to examine the two treatments target fear extinction and if fear extinction is associated with ED outcomes. The investigators also plan to test if baseline differences in fear conditioning relate to change in ED outcomes across treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• over the age of 18
• discharged from intensive treatment within the last four months (inpatient, residential, partial hospital/day program, intensive outpatient program)
• currently meet criteria for anorexia nervosa, other specified feeding and eating disorder-atypical anorexia nervosa, or bulimia nervosa

Exclusion Criteria:

• high and active suicidality, psychosis, mania, or medical compromised status will be excluded, as these comorbidities would make it difficult to complete study procedures
• under the age of 18
• does not meet criteria for anorexia nervosa, other specified feeding and eating disorder-atypical anorexia nervosa, or bulimia nervosa.
• discharged from intensive treatment more than four months ago