Understanding anxiety related to eating in people with anorexia nervosa
Official title: Longitudinal Assessment of Eating-related Anxiety in Anorexia Nervosa
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11289574 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how anxiety about eating affects people with anorexia nervosa and aims to understand how facing their fears around certain foods can help them over time, while also using brain scans to see who might benefit most from treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2022 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $54,000 |
| NIH project number | 3K01MH127178-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11289574 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with anorexia nervosa who experience significant anxiety related to eating.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have anorexia nervosa or those who do not experience eating-related anxiety may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the anxiety that individuals with anorexia nervosa experience around eating, particularly focusing on how this anxiety can lead to avoidance of certain foods. The study will use behavioral experiments and advanced imaging techniques to explore how these anxiety responses can change over time with exposure to feared foods. Additionally, machine learning will be employed to predict which patients are more likely to respond to treatment based on their brain activity. The goal is to uncover the underlying mechanisms of eating-related anxiety and improve treatment strategies for anorexia nervosa.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for anorexia nervosa by addressing the anxiety that contributes to the disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using exposure-based therapies to reduce anxiety in eating disorders, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Kimberly — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Smith, Kimberly
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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.