Research
At MCCAED, research is at the very core of our work. We’ve conducted groundbreaking studies in the field of child and adolescent eating disorders, which have in turn allowed us to advance highly innovative treatment models. Some of the pioneering therapies that were developed right here at the Maudsley Centre include Maudsley Family Therapy and Multi-Family Therapy.
Almost every aspect of our clinical practice is informed by scientific evidence gathered through extensive research. Young people and families accessing our service are routinely given the opportunity to take part in audits of treatment outcomes. We tend to conduct our studies in clinical, educational and community settings; our findings allow us to identify areas of need and to continuously improve the efficacy of the treatments we offer our patients. This ensures that they have access to the very best care available.
Our research team collaborates closely with the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King’s College London.
Current studies
We frequently recruit young people with eating disorders to take part in important studies. If you know a young patient who could contribute to this research, or you simply want to learn more about our work, please view our current studies below. Some of these are run in close collaboration with the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neurosciences at King’s College London. We will often offer participants small financial incentives (such as gift vouchers).
Once you’ve registered your interest in any of our research projects, you may be contacted by one of our researchers, who will provide you with more details.
The STORY study
Aims to explore the diverse experiences of young people with eating disorders. How do symptoms progress over time? What helps or hinders recovery? This information will allow us to deliver more personalised and effective interventions for young people with eating disorders in the future.
We are recruiting young people aged 16-25, who have an eating disorder. We are also inviting young people who have no history of an eating disorder or any other mental health disorder to take part in our control group.
Participation will last for 1 year and include completing online surveys at different time points with the option to wear a device to measure your heart rate and sleep and optional additional assessments (e.g., cognitive tasks and brain scans). You will be paid up to £175 for taking part and may receive a picture of your brain.
For further information please download the study leaflet or contact STORY@kcl.ac.uk
STORY study leaflet and screening questionnaire
The RaISE study
The aim of this study is to test a new type of brain-directed treatment called theta-burst stimulation (TBS) for young people with anorexia nervosa (AN).
We are recruiting young people aged 13-30 years old with a current diagnosis of AN and have completed at least one course of treatment for an eating disorder.
Participants with be allocated by chance to receive 20 sessions of either real or fake TBS.
For further information please contact amelia.1.hemmings@kcl.ac.uk
You can also find a short video and further information here.
RaISE study leaflet
Young people’s and parents/carers experiences of nutritional advice, meal plans and dietetic input within a specialist eating disorder service
We are currently inviting families who are being discharged from a specialist eating disorder service to share their experiences of nutritional advice, meal plans and dietetic involvement during their treatment journey.
If this sounds like something you and your child may be interested in, please download attached flyer for further information or contact: danielle.oregan@slam.nhs.uk
Study leaflet with further information and contact details
Calories on Menus – Views of People with Eating Disorders and Carers
This study aims to increase understanding on how people with eating disorders and carers have been affected by calories on menus and explore their views on how calories on menus have been implemented, such as the option of calorie-free menus. Participation consists of joining an online individual interview.
We are currently inviting young people aged 13-17 with a diagnosis of an eating disorder and their parent/carer to take part.
If you are interested in taking part in the above study, please download attached flyer for further information or contact: tom.1.jewell@kcl.ac.uk
Selected publications
The publications below, authored by MCCAED practitioners, have been instrumental in the development of new therapies, and have been influential within the global scientific community. The topics explored reflect our team’s expertise in treatment development, and the cognitive psychology and neurobiology of eating disorders.
A randomized controlled treatment trial of two forms of family therapy in adolescent anorexia nervosa: A five-year follow-up
Eisler, I., Simic, M., Russell, G. F. M., & Dare, C. (2007). Psychology and Psychiatry and Allied Disciplines, 48 (6), 552–560.
Intensive treatment program (ITP): A case series service evaluation of the effectiveness of day patient treatment for adolescents with a restrictive eating disorder
Simic, M., Stewart, C. S., Eisler, I., Baudinet, J., Hunt, K., O’Brien, J., & McDermott, B. (2018). International Journal of Eating Disorders, 51(11), 1261-1269.
Multi-family therapy for Bulimia Nervosa in Adolescence.
Stewart, C.S., Voulgari, S., Eisler, I., Hunt, K. & Simic, M. (2015). Eating Disorders, 23(4), 345-355.
A pragmatic randomised multi-centre trial of multifamily and single family therapy for adolescent anorexia nervosa.
Eisler, I., Simic, M., Hodsoll, J., Asen, E., Berelowitz, M., Connan, F., Ellis, G., Hugo, P., Schmidt, U., Treasure, J. & Yi, I. (2016). BMC Psychiatry, 16(1), 422.
DOI: 10.1186/s12888-016-1129-6
Resource library
Supplement your research with our in-depth archive of videos, books, publications, training manuals and websites.
