Narrative Medicine for Anorexia Nervosa
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests whether workshops in narrative medicine can help young people with anorexia nervosa improve self-expression and emotional resilience. Participants will engage in creative writing and group discussions, exploring themes like self-definition and kindness. It suits those aged 16-25 who are medically stable, actively in treatment for an eating disorder, and comfortable with reading and writing in English. The researchers aim to demonstrate that storytelling and sharing can aid healing and enhance psychological well-being. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity for participants to explore innovative therapeutic approaches and contribute to valuable mental health research.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It focuses on narrative medicine activities and does not mention medication changes.
What prior data suggests that this narrative medicine curriculum is safe for individuals with anorexia nervosa?
Research shows that narrative medicine workshops are generally safe and well-received. Studies have found that these workshops can improve mental health without causing harmful side effects. Narrative medicine includes activities like reading and writing, which are safe and have no known negative effects. Participants can join these workshops without worrying about physical risks. The goal is to enhance self-expression and resilience, supporting overall well-being.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about Narrative Medicine (NM) for anorexia nervosa because it offers a fresh, holistic approach that focuses on self-expression, reflection, and community building, unlike traditional treatments that typically center around nutritional rehabilitation and psychotherapy. This method encourages participants to engage in creative writing and group discussions, fostering resilience and self-definition through storytelling and reflection. By emphasizing personal narratives and emotional connections, NM aims to enhance mental wellness and self-understanding in a way that standard therapies may not fully address.
What evidence suggests that this narrative medicine workshop series is effective for anorexia nervosa?
Research has shown that narrative medicine can alter patients' perceptions of their treatment and foster a stronger connection with healthcare providers. A review of studies found some evidence that narrative therapy might assist with eating disorders, although research is still in its early stages. In this trial, participants will engage in a Narrative Medicine (NM) Workshop Series, designed to facilitate self-expression and build emotional resilience. These workshops encourage reflection and sharing, which may support mental well-being. Although hard data is limited, this approach appears promising for aiding personal growth and developing coping skills in individuals with eating disorders.14678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Anoushka Sinha, MD, MS
Principal Investigator
University of California, San Francisco
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for young people aged 16-22 with anorexia nervosa who are stable enough for outpatient therapy and actively receiving treatment. It's not suitable for those with active suicidal thoughts, recent self-harm without intent to die, or concurrent personality disorders.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants attend six weekly workshops focused on themes such as self-definition, kindness, resilience, and possibility
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for psychological well-being and self-expression after the intervention
Optional Capstone Event
Participants may opt to share their work in a supportive space with peers, loved ones, and providers
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Narrative Medicine (NM) Workshop Series
Trial Overview
The study tests a Narrative Medicine (NM) workshop series designed to improve self-expression, reflection, and resilience through creative writing and group discussions. Participants will attend six weekly workshops focusing on themes like identity and coping.
How Is the Trial Designed?
1
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Participants in this study will take part in a six-week Narrative Medicine (NM) curriculum designed to enhance self-expression, reflection, and resilience in individuals with anorexia nervosa. Workshops will be conducted weekly at the UCSF Eating Disorders Program and will include: * Close reading of visual or written texts related to themes such as self-definition, resilience, kindness, and possibility * Creative writing exercises in response to structured prompts * Group discussions and sharing to foster community, connection, and self-expression
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of California, San Francisco
Lead Sponsor
Citations
1.
clinicaltrials.gov
clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06849830?term=AREA%5BConditionSearch%5D(%22Anorexia%20Nervosa%22)&rank=10Incorporating Narrative Into the Treatment of Youth With ...
This study aims to explore the role of narrative medicine in eating disorder treatment and assess its potential benefits for psychological well-being and self- ...
A Narrative Review of Early Intervention for Eating Disorders
The aim of this review is to synthesize the literature on barriers to and facilitators of early intervention for EDs, regarding patient-, clinician-, service-, ...
Paper 2: a systematic review of narrative therapy treatment ...
This systematic review found limited support for narrative therapy in the treatment of eating disorders through practice-based evidence.
Narrative Medicine Curricula in the Care of Eating Disorders
This study highlights the value of narrative medicine workshops in shifting a patient's perspectives towards treatment and in promoting a patient-as-partner ...
Participatory development of evidence-based patient ...
Aims of this pilot study were (a) the collaborative development of a series of evidence-based patient narrative videos about eating disorders.
Paper 1: a systematic synthesis of narrative therapy treatment ...
The aim of this study was to conduct a narrative synthesis of the literature to explore the content and use of narrative therapy in the treatment of EDs.
Narrative Medicine for Anorexia Nervosa
... Medicine (NM) Workshop Series will have tolerable side effects & efficacy for patients with Anorexia Nervosa and Anorexia Nervosa. Learn more about the study.
8.
narrativemed.ucsf.edu
narrativemed.ucsf.edu/our-programs/narrative-medicine-adolescents-anorexia-nervosaNarrative Medicine for Eating Disorders
The UCSF Eating Disorders Program is developing and evaluating a narrative medicine workshop series for adolescents and young adults with anorexia nervosa (AN).
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