Online FBT-DBT Caregiver Intervention for Caregivers of Individuals With Anorexia Nervosa
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Online FBT-DBT Intervention, Online Supportive Psychological Intervention.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Anorexia Nervosa, Caregiver Burden. Basic parameters: No limits · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- China
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
Unsure about the terms? Read our patient guide →
Official title
A Randomized Controlled Trial of an Online Family-Based Treatment (FBT) Combined With Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Intervention Versus Online Supportive Psychological Intervention for Reducing Caregiver Burden Among Caregivers of Individuals With Anorexia Nervosa
Overview
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe psychiatric disorder characterized by a chronic and relapsing course. Caregivers of individuals with AN often experience substantial caregiving burden, emotional distress, and impairment in family functioning due to their ongoing responsibilities in meal supervision, treatment support, and symptom management. Despite the critical role of caregivers in treatment and recovery, evidence-based interventions specifically targeting caregiver burden remain limited in China. This study aims to develop and evaluate an online intervention integrating Family-Based Treatment (FBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for caregivers of individuals with AN. FBT emphasizes empowering caregivers to support nutritional rehabilitation and recovery, whereas DBT provides skills in emotion regulation, validation, and effective communication. The integration of these approaches may help caregivers reduce distress, improve caregiving skills, and enhance family functioning. This study will employ a randomized controlled trial design. A total of 80 primary caregivers of individuals with AN will be recruited and randomly assigned to either an online FBT-DBT intervention group or an online supportive psychological intervention group. Both interventions will be delivered in a group format over 12 weeks. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, post-intervention (12 weeks), and at 1-month and 3-month follow-up. The primary outcome will be caregiver burden. Secondary outcomes will include psychological distress, negative emotional experiences, and the impact of eating disorder symptoms on the family. The study aims to determine the effectiveness of the online FBT-DBT intervention in reducing caregiver burden and psychological distress and to evaluate whether it provides greater benefits than supportive psychological intervention. Findings may contribute to the development of accessible and evidence-based caregiver interventions for families affected by AN in China.
Interventions
- Behavioral Online FBT-DBT Intervention
A 12-week online caregiver intervention integrating Family-Based Treatment (FBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) principles and skills. - Behavioral Online Supportive Psychological Intervention
A 12-week online supportive psychological intervention delivered in a group format.
Primary outcome measures
- Caregiver burden measured by the Zarit Burden Interview [Time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks(1-month follow-up), 16 weeks, and 24 weeks(3-month follow-up)]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Primary caregiver of an individual diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (AN) by a qualified clinician.
The individual with AN is between 10 and 18 years of age. The individual with AN does not have a severe comorbid physical illness or severe psychiatric disorder.
The caregiver lives in the same household as the individual with AN. The caregiver has at least a primary school level of education and is able to complete study procedures and questionnaires.
All participating caregivers from the same family are willing to participate in the intervention and assessment procedures.
Able and willing to provide informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
- Currently providing care for another family member with a chronic physical illness or psychiatric disorder.
Current or past history of a severe physical illness or severe psychiatric disorder that would interfere with study participation.
Severe emotional instability, active self-harm or suicidal behavior, psychotic symptoms, or other psychiatric conditions requiring immediate clinical intervention.
Unable or unwilling to participate in the intervention or assessment procedures.
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: Yes
Study design
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Model
- Parallel assignment
- Masking
- Open label
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
Study locations
China · 1 center
- Shanghai Mental Health Center — Shanghai
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07734779 · 2026-21