FlexED: A Digital, Gamified Early Intervention for Eating Disorders

Last updated: July 2, 2025
Sponsor: Duke University
Overall Status: Completed

Phase

N/A

Condition

Weight Loss

Mood Disorders

Treatment

FlexED

Clinical Study ID

NCT05609409
Pro00111571
  • Ages 15-25
  • All Genders

Study Summary

The goal of this multiple baseline experiment is to test the effect of a digital, gamified early intervention for eating disorders on body image flexibility and determine treatment dose. Twenty-four young women and girls (between the ages of 15-25) with eating disorder (ED) symptoms will be randomized to different baseline durations (varying between 2-6 weeks). Participants will complete eight 20-30 minute sessions of a multimedia application over 10 weeks using their home computer or mobile device. Body Image Flexibility (BIF) will be measured repeatedly using a multimodal assessment strategy (behavior, physiological and self-report) during baseline and treatment phases. The investigators will estimate the effect of the intervention on BIF and examine when change occurs and plateaus (with no discernable benefit for additional sessions) to determine treatment dose.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Female identified 15-25 years old

  • Weight Concerns Scale score of >47

  • Maladaptive weight control behaviors with onset <3 years

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Currently meets full diagnostic criteria anorexia or bulimia nervosa or has in thepast.

  • Psychosis, substance use disorder or current suicidal ideation or self-harm.

  • Start or change in psychiatric medications within the past month.

  • NonEnglish Speaking.

  • Presents with other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED) that does not haveweight/shape concerns as a primary feature (e.g., Avoidant Restrictive Food IntakeDisorder).

Study Design

Total Participants: 34
Treatment Group(s): 1
Primary Treatment: FlexED
Phase:
Study Start date:
June 01, 2024
Estimated Completion Date:
May 07, 2025

Connect with a study center

  • Duke University

    Durham, North Carolina 27705
    United States

    Site Not Available

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