Eating DisordersNCT07319936
The Acceptability and Effectiveness of Receiving a Low-intensity Self-guided Psychoeducational Intervention for Individuals Waitlisted for Specialized Eating-disorder Treatment
A study testing Psycho-education and No psycho-education in people with Eating Disorders, run by Douglas Mental Health University Institute at 1 site in Canada.
Trial summary
It is often difficult for people with eating disorders to get timely access to specialized treatment, as waitlists can be long. The present study examines whether or not providing educational materials by email could help individuals with eating disorders while they wait for specialized care. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Eating Disorders
- What is being tested?
- Psycho-education and No psycho-education
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 78 participants
- Where
- 1 siteCanada
- Study dates
- 9 May 2023to 3 Apr 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- 1. Between 18-65 years and have a diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa or Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED) as defined by DSM-5 criteria.
Who cannot join
- Current substance use disorder
- Comorbid psychotic disorder
- Major physical symptoms that could interfere with the intervention or or requiring urgent care (referred to priority 1 during phone evals)
- Body mass index lower than 15
- Pregnancy
- Insufficient access to the internet (by phone, tablet or computer) to complete the intervention
- Not being able to access 2-3 modules for 4 consecutive weeks.
- Information on presence of current substance use disorder, comorbid psychotic disorder, major physical symptoms, body mass index and pregnancy are based on information from the clinical referal form and information from the initial screening for treatment eligibility in the eating-disorder program.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Canada1 site
Douglas Mental Health University Instititute
Montreal, Quebec, H4H 1R3
About this study
Official title: The Acceptability and Effectiveness of a Virtual Psychoeducational Intervention for Individuals Waitlisted for Specialized Eating Disorder Treatment
It is often difficult for people with eating disorders to get timely access to specialized treatment, as waitlists can be long. The present study examines whether or not providing educational materials by email could help individuals with eating disorders while they wait for specialized care. The investigators hypothesize that a low-intensity self-guided intervention will lead to a reduction in eating-disorder attitudes and cognitions, and an increase in motivation to change and body satisfaction.
Sixty-two adults (primarily women) are randomly assigned to one of two groups while being on the waitlist for specialized eating-disorder services. One group receives weekly emails for four weeks with psychoeducational materials about eating disorders; the other group does not receive any materials. The content was adapted from a validated eating-disorder workbook developed by the Centre for Clinical Interventions in Australia and translated into French. Each week, as well as one week after the intervention period, all participants complete brief questionnaires assessing eating-disorder thoughts, body satisfaction, and readiness to make changes in eating behaviours. Participants who receive the materials also rate their level of satisfaction with the materials as well as how useful and engaging they find the content.
- Conditions
- Eating Disorders
- Being tested
- Psycho-education, No psycho-education
- Keywords
- psycho-education, eating disorders, self-help
- Medical subject headings
- Feeding and Eating Disorders
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Psycho-educationBehavioural
Receives weekly psychoeducation related to eating disorders via email, while on the waitlist for treatment [experimental condition].
No psycho-educationBehavioural
Does not receive any psychoeducational materials, while on the waitlist for treatment [control condition].
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Experimental condition | Experimental | Participants in the experimental group receive weekly psychoeducational materials related to eating disorders via email, for 4 weeks, while on the waitlist for treatment. Receives: Behavioral: Psycho-education |
| No psycho-education | Other | Participants in the control group do not receive any psychoeducational materials, while on the waitlist for treatment. Receives: Behavioral: No psycho-education |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Eating Disorder-15
10 items that assess eating-disorder symptoms, each rated on a 7-point Likert frequency scale, ranging from 0 (not at all) to 7 (all the time). A higher score means more symptoms.
Measured: Weekly, from enrollment to the end of the study at week 5 (week 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
Body Satisfaction Scale
State-related changes in body satisfaction are assessed using the Body Dissatisfaction subscale of the Body Satisfaction Scale (BSS). The subscale asks participants to indicate their level of satisfaction with seven body parts (e.g., chest, tummy, legs, etc.) at the time of questionnaire completion on a 7-point Likert scale (1 = very satisfied to 7 = very unsatisfied). A higher score means more symptoms.
Measured: Weekly, from enrollment until the last time the materials were offered (week 0, 1, 2, 3, 4).
Readiness Ruler
The readiness ruler is an 18-item questionnaire, aimed at measuring state-related motivation. The readiness ruler measures readiness to change across nine eating-disorder related attitudes (restriction, weight-shape overevaluation, binge eating, vomiting, laxative use, fasting, diuretic use, weight-gain phobia, and exercise) on a scale from 1 to 10. A higher score means more readiness to make changes.
Measured: Weekly, from enrollment until the last time the materials were offered (week 0, 1, 2, 3, 4).
Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire
Questionnaire measuring global eating-disorder severity. The questionnaire is being used to assess severity. The responses on the EDE-Q are also used to corroborate the provisional eating-disorder diagnosis at baseline. The questionnaire asks about symptoms the past 28 days and a higher score means more symptoms. The scores on each item ranges from 0 to 6. 0 = no days; 1 = 1-5 days; 2 = 6-12 days; 3 = 13-15 days; 4 = 16-22 days; 5 = 23-27 days; 6 = 28 days.
Measured: Weekly, from enrollment to the end of the study at week 5
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted6 Jan 2026
- Study start9 May 2023
- Primary completion4 Oct 2024
- Study completion3 Apr 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Eating DisordersStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 78 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Linda Booij, Douglas Mental Health University Institute
- Investigators
- Linda Booij, Ph.D., Principal investigator, Douglas Mental Health University Institute
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07319936
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2023-715
- Status last verified
- Dec 2025
- First submitted
- 28 Nov 2025
- Last updated
- 6 Jan 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Ethical restrictions.
Publications
Booij L, Barth B, Theriault M, Raykos B, McEvoy P, Steiger H. Effectiveness of a Low-Intensity Self-Guided Psychoeducational Intervention for Individuals Waitlisted for Specialised Eating-Disorder Treatment: A Randomised Controlled Trial. Eur Eat Disord Rev. 2026 Jul;34(4):1089-1098. doi: 10.1002/erv.70093. Epub 2026 Mar 3.
PubMed 41776720
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 6 Jan 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Acceptability and Effectiveness of a Virtual Psychoeducational Intervention for Individuals Waitlisted for Specialized Eating Disorder Treatment
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07319936
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 2023-715
- Conditions
- Eating Disorders
- Keywords
- psycho-education, eating disorders, self-help
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 78 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Douglas Mental Health University InstituteUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 9 May 2023 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 4 Oct 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 3 Apr 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 6 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
It is often difficult for people with eating disorders to get timely access to specialized treatment, as waitlists can be long. The present study examines whether or not providing educational materials by email could help individuals with eating disorders while they wait for specialized care. The investigators hypothesize that a low-intensity self-guided intervention will lead to a reduction in eating-disorder attitudes and cognitions, and an increase in motivation to change and body satisfaction.
Sixty-two adults (primarily women) are randomly assigned to one of two groups while being on the waitlist for specialized eating-disorder services. One group receives weekly emails for four weeks with psychoeducational materials about eating disorders; the other group does not receive any materials. The content was adapted from a validated eating-disorder workbook developed by the Centre for Clinical Interventions in Australia and translated into French. Each week, as well as one week after the intervention period, all participants complete brief questionnaires assessing eating-disorder thoughts, body satisfaction, and readiness to make changes in eating behaviours. Participants who receive the materials also rate their level of satisfaction with the materials as well as how useful and engaging they find the content.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Experimental condition | Experimental | Behavioral: Psycho-educationParticipants in the experimental group receive weekly psychoeducational materials related to eating disorders via email, for 4 weeks, while on the waitlist for treatment. |
| No psycho-education | Other | Behavioral: No psycho-educationParticipants in the control group do not receive any psychoeducational materials, while on the waitlist for treatment. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- 1. Between 18-65 years and have a diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa or Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED) as defined by DSM-5 criteria.
Key exclusion criteria (8 listed)
- Current substance use disorder
- Comorbid psychotic disorder
- Major physical symptoms that could interfere with the intervention or or requiring urgent care (referred to priority 1 during phone evals)
- Body mass index lower than 15
- Pregnancy
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Psycho-educationReceives weekly psychoeducation related to eating disorders via email, while on the waitlist for treatment [experimental condition]. | Behavioural | Experimental condition |
| No psycho-educationDoes not receive any psychoeducational materials, while on the waitlist for treatment [control condition]. | Behavioural | No psycho-education |
Primary outcome
Eating Disorder-15
Time frame: Weekly, from enrollment to the end of the study at week 5 (week 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
10 items that assess eating-disorder symptoms, each rated on a 7-point Likert frequency scale, ranging from 0 (not at all) to 7 (all the time). A higher score means more symptoms.
Body Satisfaction Scale
Time frame: Weekly, from enrollment until the last time the materials were offered (week 0, 1, 2, 3, 4).
State-related changes in body satisfaction are assessed using the Body Dissatisfaction subscale of the Body Satisfaction Scale (BSS). The subscale asks participants to indicate their level of satisfaction with seven body parts (e.g., chest, tummy, legs, etc.) at the time of questionnaire completion on a 7-point Likert scale (1 = very satisfied to 7 = very unsatisfied). A higher score means more symptoms.
Readiness Ruler
Time frame: Weekly, from enrollment until the last time the materials were offered (week 0, 1, 2, 3, 4).
The readiness ruler is an 18-item questionnaire, aimed at measuring state-related motivation. The readiness ruler measures readiness to change across nine eating-disorder related attitudes (restriction, weight-shape overevaluation, binge eating, vomiting, laxative use, fasting, diuretic use, weight-gain phobia, and exercise) on a scale from 1 to 10. A higher score means more readiness to make changes.
Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire
Time frame: Weekly, from enrollment to the end of the study at week 5
Questionnaire measuring global eating-disorder severity. The questionnaire is being used to assess severity. The responses on the EDE-Q are also used to corroborate the provisional eating-disorder diagnosis at baseline. The questionnaire asks about symptoms the past 28 days and a higher score means more symptoms. The scores on each item ranges from 0 to 6. 0 = no days; 1 = 1-5 days; 2 = 6-12 days; 3 = 13-15 days; 4 = 16-22 days; 5 = 23-27 days; 6 = 28 days.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 6 Jan 2026.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 41776720Booij L, Barth B, Theriault M, Raykos B, McEvoy P, Steiger H. Effectiveness of a Low-Intensity Self-Guided Psychoeducational Intervention for Individuals Waitlisted for Specialised Eating-Disorder Treatment: A Randomised Controlled Trial. Eur Eat Disord Rev. 2026 Jul;34(4):1089-1098. doi: 10.1002/erv.70093. Epub 2026 Mar 3.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Ethical restrictions.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Linda Booij, Ph.D. principal investigator
Douglas Mental Health University Institute
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Psycho-education and No psycho-education in people with Eating Disorders, run by Douglas Mental Health University Institute at 1 site in Canada.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 8 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 6 Jan 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Canada. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Eating Disorder-15 (time frame: Weekly, from enrollment to the end of the study at week 5 (week 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07319936, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 6 Jan 2026.