Rule-Based Decision-Making in Anorexia Nervosa
Official title: Rule-Based Decision-Making: A Novel Neuroeconomic Mechanism of Anorexia Nervosa
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-11359748 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how people with anorexia nervosa make decisions to understand why weight loss becomes a rigid pattern, with the aim of guiding better treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $743,433 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH126978-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11359748 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with anorexia nervosa who are capable of following computerized decision-making tasks and completing study assessments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with severe medical instability or those unable to participate in computer-based tasks may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project investigates how decision-making processes contribute to the persistent weight loss seen in anorexia nervosa. Using a neuroeconomic framework, the study tests how rule-based thinking and different decision systems influence choices related to food and body weight. The team analyzes behavioral data from a novel Web-Surf task to identify specific decision patterns in affected individuals. The goal is to pinpoint precise targets for interventions that can reduce harmful rigidity and improve recovery chances. If successful, findings could inform tailored therapies that address underlying cognitive processes in AN.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of decision-making in anorexia nervosa could lead to more precise and effective treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work with neuroeconomic paradigms in AN has provided insights into decision dysfunctions, suggesting potential for meaningful gains with refined methods.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Haynos, Ann Frances — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Haynos, Ann Frances
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Rule-based decision habits in anorexia nervosa
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Understanding decision-making in anorexia nervosa
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This study is looking at how young women with anorexia nervosa make decisions, especially when things are uncertain, to better understand their thought processes and help improve treatment options.
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NoviGuide for Newborn Care in Pakistan
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.