Dear Fellow Eating Disorder Clinician,
We are conducting research on behaviour change in CBT for eating disorders. As part of this research, we are interested in learning about and documenting the opinions and experiences of frontline clinicians who are using CBT to treat eating disorders in outpatient settings. We are requesting your help in completing a survey on this topic.
We fully appreciate how busy you are and have therefore designed this survey to take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.
The information that we gather from you, a frontline clinician, will help us to design future research studies that addresses the priorities and concerns of clinicians in this field.
If you are willing to participate, please click on the link at the end of this email to complete the survey. Before completing the survey, you will be presented with a consent form that outlines the details of the study, which you will be required to read before completing the survey. By completing the survey, you are providing implied consent to participate. The survey will close on May 31, 2017.
Before you complete the survey, please read the study information below:
Please note that your responses are anonymous and participation is voluntary. Your survey responses and decision whether to take part in the study will not have an impact on any present or future relationship with University Health Network (UHN).
This survey is being conducted via ‘Lime Survey,’ an open source survey software that stores data directly on our secure UHN server.
If you have any questions about this study, please contact the Principal Investigator, Dr. Kathryn Trottier at kathryn.trottier@uhn.ca or 416-340-4800 ext 4067, or the Study Coordinator Dr. Danielle MacDonald (postdoctoral fellow) at danielle.macdonald@uhn.ca or 416-340-4800 ext 4749. If you have any questions about your rights as a research participant or have concerns about this study, call the UHN REB or the Research Ethics office number at 416-581-7849. The UHN REB is not part of the study team. Everything that you discuss will be kept confidential. Please note that communication via e-mail is not absolutely secure. Messages may be forged, forwarded, kept indefinitely, or seen by others using the internet. Thus, please do not communicate personal sensitive information via e-mail.
Sincerely,
Kathryn Trottier, Ph.D.
Danielle MacDonald, PhD.
LINK TO SURVEY:
http://eatdissurvey.limequery.com/survey/index/sid/549815/newtest/Y/lang/en
______________________________________________________
Danielle MacDonald, PhD, C.Psych. (Supervised Practice)
Postdoctoral Fellow, Eating Disorder Program
Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network
Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto
200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto Ontario, M5G 2C4
danielle.macdonald@uhn.ca
416-340-4800 ext. 4749
Workshop Dates: January 14th and February 11th
Education for caregivers to someone with an eating disorder is available for FREE through a study at Toronto General Hospital. Contact Victoria Freeman (Victoria.freeman@uhn) for more information. The deadline for enrollment is January 6th, 2017.
View flyer.
We are currently seeking women age 18 or older who are struggling with symptoms of bulimia nervosa to participate in a free, 12-week emotion-focused therapy group. This group is being led as part of a doctoral dissertation through the University of Alberta in Edmonton, and has received ethics approval through the Health Research Ethics Board. Participating in this research will involve the completion of a series of surveys, as well as the completion of group treatment. If you are interested in participating in this group, or would like further information, please contact Jennifer Bartlett (jebartle@ualberta.ca).
For further information and to access the questionnaires, please go to https://nottingham.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/fyvz4v7ruu
Posted March 14, 2016
Caregiver Education: Skills-based education for those supporting an individual over the age of 17 with an eating disorder is available for free through Toronto General Hospital as part of a research study. Participants are randomized (like flipping a coin) to either an online version of the education or a workshop version of the education. Please see the flyer for details or contact victoria.freeman@uhn.ca.
Family-Based Treatment for Transition Age Youth: Treatment for Anorexia is available through Toronto General Hospital, SickKids and North York General Hospital as part of a research study. Treatment is family based and for those between the ages of 16 and 24. Treatment is free and requires families to attend weekly sessions that are 1.5 hours long. Sessions are split between individual time for the client with Anorexia and time for the entire family. Please see the pamphlet for more details or contact victoria.freeman@uhn.ca
Posted November 30, 2015
How should we talk about eating disorders in the community? An expert consensus study.
Do you have expertise (including as an advocate with lived experience) in the field of eating disorders?
Are you aged 18 or over?
If you fit these criteria, you may be eligible to participate in an online research study about how to talk about eating disorders in community settings.
For further information, or if you are interested in participating, please visit the research website at: http://talkabouteatingdisorders.weebly.com
Contact Joanna Doley (PhD student, Department of Psychology and Counselling, LaTrobe University) at: 18349097@students.latrobe.edu.au
This study has ethics approval, UHEC approval number 15-062.
Posted November 4, 2015
10 WEEK TORONTO YOGA CLASS BEGINS MARCH 31ST- CONTACT POLETTKM@MCMASTER.CA FOR INFORMATION.
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Do you have a history of or currently have anorexia, bulimia or EDNOS and want to try using moving meditation as a complementary therapy?
If you answered yes, you may be eligible to participate in the MEDYTATE study: a research study investigating the effects of either a Fung Loy Kok (FLK) Taoist Tai ChiTM or a standardized yoga series on your eating disorder symptoms and mindfulness skills.
The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of moving meditations as a complementary therapy for the treatment of the symptoms of eating disorders.
Anyone over the age of 16 who has been diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa or eating disorder not otherwise specified who is seeing, at minimum, a professional care provider, such as a therapist or a general practitioner as a primary care provider is can enroll.
You will be asked to complete a series of questionnaires on your first and last class and attend either 10 weekly 1.5 hour Tai Chi classes or yoga classes once a week. It is free to participate. Classes will take place at various locations in Toronto, Hamilton and Burlington from April 2015 to April 2016.
Those that complete the questionnaires and 5/10 classes will receive a FREE class pass to a local yoga studio!
CLASSES FOR FALL START EARLY OCTOBER!
This study has been approved by the Hamilton Integrated Research Ethics Board (#15-177-S)
Please contact Katarina Poletto at (416) 518-3705 or polettkm@mcmaster.ca for further information and when classes are being held throughout the year. View the PDF Flyer!
ARE YOU PREOCCUPIED WITH FOOD AND WEIGHT?
Professor Allison Kelly, Ph.D., C.Psych., and her research team at the University of Waterloo are seeking participants for either or both phases of a two-phase study, lasting two weeks each.
We are looking for participants who meet the following criteria:
- Female
- 17 years or older
- You watch what you eat
- Body mass index (BMI) in 15-19 range
In Phase 1 (2 weeks), you will be asked to complete short daily recordings of your eating and weight-control behaviours via a Smartphone app. In Phase 2 (2 weeks), you will also be given the opportunity to learn a self-help exercise aimed at helping you cope with distress related to your eating, weight, and body image issues. Please note that we will be taking your weight as part of this research study.
In appreciation of your time, you will receive $50 for each study phase, for a total maximum of $100.
To find out more about the study, please contact our research team:
self.attitudes.lab@uwaterloo.ca
519-888-4567 x 39121
ALL INQUIRIES ARE CONFIDENTIAL
This study has received ethics clearance through the research ethics committee at the University of Waterloo.
Are you a health care provider who has worked with persons with eating disorders?
Are you interested in participating in a study about health professionals’ experiences with eating disorders in Atlantic Canada?
You can participate if you:
- Are a health professional in one of the following fields: medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, psychology, dentistry, social work and dietetics
- Worked with individuals with eating disorders in Atlantic Canada
- Are willing to participant in a telephone or face-to-face interview
View the flyer for this study!
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Research in the Neurobiology of and Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa
Researchers at the Toronto General Hospital and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) are examining the underlying neurobiologic disturbances in anorexia nervosa and exploring new and innovative treatment methods for anorexia nervosa in order to improve outcome for people suffering from this disorder.
There are 3 current studies underway that are now accepting participants.
Who is qualified to participate in a study?
Qualified participants have:
• A diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa – amenorrhea criterion not strictly applied
• A BMI between 14 and 18.5
• Are between 18 and 55 years of age
***** If you do not currently have anorexia nervosa but struggled with it in the past, you may be eligible to participate in Study #3 *****
All studies are conducted under the supervision of Dr. Allan Kaplan, MD and have received full approval from the Toronto General Hospital and CAMH Research Ethics Boards and from Health Canada.
VIEW THE FULL DETAILS FOR ALL THREE STUDIES HERE (pdf).
For more information about any of these studies:
∗ Please get in touch with research coordinator Laura MacKew directly by phone (416) 535-8501 ext. 33877 or by email at laura.mackew@camh.ca.
∗ Read more about the research Dr. Kaplan is supervising here on the CAMH Blog.
Posted March 23, 2015.
Researchers at Yale School of Medicine are conducting a survey to explore parenting, weight, and eating disorders.
The survey is anonymous and takes 10-30 minutes to complete. We are interested in the opinions of parents (mothers AND fathers) who have a child between 6 years old and 15 years old.
To read more about the study, and to participate, go to:
http://yale.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_77KzX7zs57LVxWJ
Approved by Yale's Human Investigation Committee (Institutional Review Board), study# 1411014857.
Online Educational Tool for Parents/Caregivers of a Youth with an Eating Disorder
Do you think your child might have an Eating Disorder?
Do you want to learn about eating disorders and how you can help your child?
Purpose of the research: To understand if the online educational tool is helpful to parents/caregivers of a child who may have an eating disorder.
Who can participate: Parents or caregivers of a youth (9-18 years old) who may have an eating disorder or eating difficulties.
Topics covered include:
1. What is an eating disorder?
2. Medical risks of eating disorders
3. Understanding eating disorders
4. Essential components of treating pediatric eating disorders
5. Supporting a child with an eating disorder: practical advice from professionals
6. B.C. Meal support video
7. Recommended resources
Ethics: This research project has been approved by the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Ethics Board.
Contact: For more information visit www.canped.ca, email us at canped@cheo.on.ca, or call us at (613) 737-7600 ext 3803.
The BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services is developing a Parent Resource Guide for parents to provide tools, tips, advice, and strategies on how to get through the struggles of having a child with an eating disorder.
Link to survey: http://surveys.phsa.ca/s/ParentResourceGuide
Understanding Young Women’s Reactions to Eating Disorder Prevention Messages
NEDIC is collaborating with Dr Jennifer Mills and York University on this new research study, Understanding Young Women’s Reactions to Eating Disorder Prevention Messages, in order to bring prevention theory into practice. Generously funded by Women’s XChange, this study will help NEDIC to understand how to implement effective prevention messages in our work with young women across Canada.
You may be eligible to participate in the study of you are a woman aged 18-25 who can commit 45-60 minutes of your time. Download the recruitment flyer to learn more.
Posted August 28, 2014
Anorexia Nervosa Treatment Study
A multi-site treatment study for Anorexia Nervosa is currently being conducted at University Health Network (Toronto General Hospital), Southlake Regional Health Centre, North York General Hospital, and SickKids.
This research study is investigating a new approach therapy: Family-based Treatment for Transition Age Youth. This form of therapy is based on a model of family therapy used in pediatric programs and has been adapted to better suit individuals between the ages of 16 and 21. Individuals from 16-21 are more independent and while they still require family/friend/partner support to overcome their eating disorder we appreciate the different considerations needed to treat a young adult.
If you would like more information about the study, please contact Dr. Gina Dimitropoulos (gina.dimitropoulos@uhn.ca; 416-340-3749) or Victoria Freeman (victoria.freeman@uhn.ca; 416-340-3749)
Posted March 5, 2014
Yoga for Bulimia and Binge Eating Disorder Study
Do you have bulimia or binge eating disorder? Are you new to yoga?
If you answered yes…
You may be eligible to participate in a research study investigating the effects of an 8-week yoga program developed specifically for women suffering from bulimia or binge eating disorder.
About the Study
Women who have been diagnosed with bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder and have no, or limited yoga experience are being recruited to participate in this research study. The purpose of the study is to explore the effects of yoga on women with bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder. This study will help to help inform the practices involved in the treatment of bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder.
Participation
We are looking for women 18 years of age or older to participate in a yoga study. You will be asked to complete a series of questionnaires and attend 8 weekly 90-minute yoga classes. Participation is free, however, you will be required to pay a $20 fee to cover the cost of supplies. All yoga classes will take place on the University of Alberta campus in Edmonton Alberta and will be taught by a Registered Yoga Teacher.
More Information
Participation in this study consists of two phases. During the first phase, you will be asked to answer a series of online questions to determine your eligibility to participate in phase two of this study. Eligible participants will proceed to phase two, during which they will have the opportunity to complete the 8-week yoga program. This study has been approved by the University of Alberta's Research Ethics Board.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact Maggie Brennan at
1-888-260-4760 (toll-free) or mabrenna@ualberta.ca
Posted January 27, 2014
Research Study on Links Between Food Addiction and Other Risky Health Behaviours
Researchers: Dr. W. Andrew Harrell (Social Psychologist, Professor Emeritus, University of Alberta) and Dr. Jennifer A. Boisvert (Clinical Psychologist, Independent Practice)
Purpose of the Research: We are conducting an on-line survey investigating how “food addiction” might be linked to other risky health behaviours such as tobacco, alcohol and drug use.
By participating in the survey, you will not only be adding to the science of eating and health risk behaviours, but providing information that could be useful to health professionals treating these problems.
Participation: We encourage all women and men over the age of 18 years to participate. The on-line survey can be completed in less than 10 minutes, and your responses are completely confidential and anonymous.
To access the survey, go to: http://tinyurl.com/d4c54mu.
Ethics: Our survey has received ethical review and approval by the University of Alberta Research Ethics Board.
Contact: We invite any questions about this research. Please contact Dr. Andrew Harrell at: Harandrw@aol.com.
Posted June 4, 2013
Binge Eating Disorder Study
Researcher: Kate Hickey, PhD student, University of Calgary
Purpose of the study: To gain understanding of the troubles and experiences with seeking help of individuals with binge eating disorder.
Participation: I am seeking individuals who believe that they are or may be suffering from binge eating disorder.
I will be conducting semi-structured interviews about their understandings of their trouble and any experiences with seeking help.
Participation can be arranged in a way that is most comfortable and convenient for you (e.g., interviews can be conducted face-to-face, through telephone, or through Skype).
Ethics: This research has been reviewed and approved by the Conjoin Health Research Ethics Board (CHREB) at the University of Calgary.
Contact: To participate in this study or to request more information please contact Kate Hickey by email kjhickey@ucalgary.ca or telephone 403-264-6819
Posted November 6, 2012
Family-Based Treatment for Anorexia Study
Researchers: Joanna Wiese, Doctoral candidate (Counselling Psychology), University of Iowa, and Megan Foley Nicpon, PhD, University of Iowa
Purpose of the study: To investigate parents' unique experiences of participating in family-based treatment.
Participation: We are recruiting 25 parents who have participated in family-based treatment for a child or adolescent with anorexia nervosa.
Who can participate?
- parents (biological, adoptive, or step) who have participated in family-based treatment for a child with anorexia nervosa at some point in the past, and
- child was between ages 10 and 18 at the time of family-based treatment, and
- are not currently in family-based treatment.
What is the process?
- participants will contact the researcher
- the researcher will email information about the study and a demographic questionnaire
- participants will review the information about the study and, if they consent to participate, will complete and mail the demographic questionnaire to the researcher
- some participants will be invited to participate in a 60-90 minute interview which may occur in person, via telephone, or via web chat
Ethics: This research has been reviewed and approved by the relevant institutional review board at the University of Iowa (IRB ID #201206724).
Contact: If you are interested in participating, please contact Joanna Wiese at 563-676-2500 or joanna-wiese@uiowa.edu.
Posted September 18, 2012
Study of the Role of Culture in the Development of an Eating Disorder
Researchers: Nida Mustafa - Masters student in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT), under the supervision of Dr. Arshia Zaidi.
Purpose of the study: We are examining the cultural risk factors involved in the development of an eating disorder in South Asian women. Your voluntary participation in this project, along with your lived experiences, will provide greater insight into the nature of the disorder from a South Asian perspective.
Participation: We would like to interview South Asian women (from India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh) aged 18 years or older, who have had experiences with an eating disorder. Your participation in this study will consist of a one-on-one confidential interview for approximately half an hour. Providing your experiences will help to understand the unique pressures felt by South Asian women suffering. You will receive a ten dollar gift card for your kind support and participation.
Benefits of the study: The hope of the current study is to create awareness within the South Asian community, and encourage better preventive and treatment options for this population. Cultural specific preventive measures and treatments have proven to be beneficial, and if cultural conflict is found to be a risk factor for the development of an eating disorder, it should be taken into consideration when planning preventive measures, coping programs, and counselling sessions for young South Asian women and their families.
Ethics: This research has been reviewed and approved by the University of Ontario Institute of Technology Research Ethics Board (REB File No.: 11-106). Ethics and Compliance Officer at UOIT: compliance@uoit.ca or 905-721-8668 x 3693.
Contact: If you would like to be part of this research, have had similar experiences, or have any questions regarding this study, please contact: Nida.Mustafa@uoit.ca or 647-830-5553. Your thoughts, feedback, and interest are greatly appreciated.
Posted July 25, 2012
Deep Brain Stimulation for the Treatment of Refractory Anorexia Nervosa: Pilot Trial
Principal Investigators: Dr. Andres M. Lozano (Division of Neurosurgery, University Health Network) and Dr. D. Blake Woodside (Department of Psychiatry, University Health Network)
Study Co-coordinator: Dr. Nir Lipsman (University Health Network)
Investigators at the University of Toronto's University Health Network have initiated and are now enrolling a phase I, pilot trial of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for the management of severe and treatment resistant Anorexia Nervosa (AN). DBS is a neurosurgical procedure involving the insertion of electrodes into structures believed to drive pathological behavior, which are then connected to a subcutaneously implanted battery. It is a 'pacemaker' for the brain, and is a non-destructive, non-lesional, reversible and titratable means of modulating electrical activity in the brain. DBS has been used for over 25 years to manage disabling movement disorders, such as Parkinson's Disease and Dystonia, and has recently shown promise in the management of refractory psychiatric diseases, such as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Among psychiatric disorders, Anorexia Nervosa is the condition with the highest rates of morbidity and mortality. Currently, few treatments are available that address the underlying pathophysiology of the illness, leaving a large proportion of patients susceptible to the long-term sequalae of untreated disease. Advances in the neuroimaging, genetics, and physiology of AN and its overlapping co-morbidities, such as OCD and other anxiety disorders, suggest that key brain structures generate and maintain the condition. In a highly select population of patients, who have failed multiple previous treatment attempts, it may be possible to disrupt the pathological thoughts and behaviours of AN, by disrupting activity in these key brain structures with DBS. Similar approaches, at the University of Toronto and in multiple centers around the world, have been applied to refractory MDD and OCD, with promising results.
We have begun a phase I, pilot, safety and feasibility trial exploring DBS in patients with chronic and refractory Anorexia Nervosa. Inclusion criteria include male or female patients between 20-60, disease duration over five (5) years, and able to comply fully with frequent study visits. Exclusion criteria include BMI<13, patients with history of psychosis, active neurologic disease, alcohol or other substance abuse disorder in the last 6 months (excluding caffeine and nicotine), contraindications to neuroimaging, presence of serious medical comorbidities that preclude surgery, and pregnancy. Patients below a BMI of 13 can be admitted pre-operatively to increase their weight appropriately.
Study duration will be one (1) year for each patient following surgery. All ongoing AN treatment will continue during the course of the study, and patients will be followed closely by the neuromodulation team (neurosurgery and psychiatry) at University Health Network, during and following the study, as well as at regular intervals, as required.
Contact: For more information about this study, please contact Dr. Nir Lipsman, study-coordinator, at pager number 416-790-1780 (leave a call back number), or email at dbsanorexia@gmail.com. If you feel you have a patient who may be eligible or interested in this study, please contact Dr. Nir Lipsman, and/or make a referral directly to Dr. Blake Woodside, c/o Toronto General Hospital, at fax number 416-340-4198.
Posted August 10, 2011
