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Maze out and network involvement in eating disorder treatment

Does adding the serious game Maze Out improve treatment for eating disorders?

Maze Out is a digital game developed as a supplement to the treatment of eating disorders. The game was co-created by patients, clinicians, and game developers to ensure that it is relevant and meaningful. The purpose is to support reflection, self-insight, and dialogue about difficult emotions and thoughts.

The project consists of several studies. First, the game was developed in close collaboration with patients, clinicians, and game developers. Then, an early version was tested in a pilot study, where both patients and clinicians provided feedback on its use and relevance. Finally, the completed version was evaluated in a randomized controlled trial with 133 patients, where the game was used as a supplement in eating disorder treatment.

Maze Out is based on the idea that play and interactive storytelling can make it easier to work with difficult topics. The game provides a safe space without right or wrong answers, where the patient can explore thoughts, feelings, and relationships.

  • Study name: Maze Out: A mixed-methods evaluation of a serious game as a supplement to eating disorder treatment

    Scientific ethics committee ID number: S-20220012

    Data Protection Agency ID number: 22/12891

    Study start date: Maze Out was developed in 2020. The first participant in the RCT study was enrolled in July 2022

  • Principal investigator: Maria Mercedes Guala

    Project group: Anette Søgaard Nielsen & Helene Nygaard Nielsen

  • Funding sources: Trygfonden, Psykiatriens Forskningsfond i Region Syddanmark & Helsefonden

    Collaborators: The project has been carried out through an interdisciplinary collaboration between clinical environments within the field of eating disorders and researchers with expertise in eating disorders and digital interventions. The primary collaborators include the Center for Eating Disorders in the Region of Southern Denmark, as well as other psychiatric departments across Denmark, where patients have been enrolled in the study.

    The development of Maze Out took place in close collaboration with patients and clinicians through a co-creation process, in which patients’ perspectives played a central role. In addition, international researchers within the field of eating disorders have contributed to the project through research collaboration and co-authorship.


Last Updated 15.04.2026