Targeting reward mechanisms in anorexia nervosa treatment
Official title: Neuroscience-informed treatment to remotely target reward mechanisms in post-acute anorexia nervosa
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-10876393 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help adults recovering from anorexia nervosa by looking at how their brain's reward systems affect their eating habits and feelings, with the goal of creating supportive treatments that can prevent setbacks and improve overall well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | August 10, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $214,380 |
| NIH project number | 5R34MH129464-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10876393 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are in the post-acute phase of anorexia nervosa treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are currently in acute care or have not yet received intensive treatment for anorexia nervosa may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new treatment approach for adults recovering from anorexia nervosa, focusing on the brain's reward systems. It aims to understand how these systems influence behaviors related to eating and weight loss, particularly after patients have completed intensive care. By integrating neuroscience insights, the study seeks to develop outpatient therapies that can help prevent relapse and address co-occurring symptoms like anxiety and mood disorders. Patients will be monitored and supported remotely to ensure accessibility and effectiveness of the treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective outpatient treatments that reduce relapse rates and improve overall mental health for individuals recovering from anorexia nervosa.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using neuroscience-informed approaches to treat psychiatric disorders, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
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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Understanding how habits influence anorexia nervosa and its remission
A research study will explore how habitual eating patterns and brain systems keep anorexia nervosa going, and how these habits might change when people recover.
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Online guided self-help family-based treatment for adolescent anorexia nervosa
A study is testing a guided self-help version of a proven family-based therapy to help adolescents with anorexia nervosa receive effective treatment more efficiently in real-world clinics.
-
Ketogenic Diet for Weight-Recovered Anorexia Nervosa to Support Metabolism and Eating-Disorder Symptoms
A research project will test a ketogenic diet to see if it helps people who have recovered weight from anorexia nervosa by normalizing brain metabolism and reducing core eating-disorder thoughts and behaviors.
-
Point-of-care RH risk tool for refeeding in anorexia nervosa
A quick, clinician-friendly risk tool helps predict who with anorexia nervosa might develop dangerous low phosphorus during hospitalization, guiding safer feeding and monitoring.
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Guided Online Self-Help Family-Based Treatment for Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa
A study tests if an online guided self-help version of family-based treatment works as well as standard treatment for teens with anorexia nervosa, in real-world clinics.
-
Online guided family-based program for adolescents with anorexia nervosa
This project offers an online guided family-based program to help adolescents with anorexia nervosa improve symptoms while using much less therapist time than standard family therapy.
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.