Understanding brain factors that predict recovery from anorexia nervosa
Official title: Neural predictors of outcome during relapse prevention treatment for anorexia nervosa
Funded at New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC · NIH-10582173 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how brain activity can help predict whether people with anorexia nervosa, who have recently gained weight, will do well in a special treatment program that helps change eating habits, so they can get the best support possible.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $253,317 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MH132085-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10582173 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who have been hospitalized for anorexia nervosa and have achieved weight normalization.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are under 21 years old or those who have not been hospitalized for anorexia nervosa may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how brain activity and connectivity can predict treatment outcomes for individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) who have recently normalized their weight. By utilizing fMRI technology, the study aims to identify neural predictors that may indicate the likelihood of relapse during a specialized treatment program called REACH+. This program focuses on changing habitual behaviors related to food intake through cognitive and behavioral therapies. The findings could help tailor more effective treatment strategies for patients struggling with AN.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment approaches that reduce relapse rates in patients with anorexia nervosa.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in other psychiatric conditions has successfully identified neural predictors of treatment response, suggesting potential for similar success in this study.
Where this research is happening
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New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Muratore, Alexandra Felicia — New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC
- Study coordinator: Muratore, Alexandra Felicia
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Relapse prevention for anorexia nervosa by changing habits
This project tests habit-focused relapse-prevention treatments to help adults with anorexia nervosa stay well after completing acute treatment.
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A virtual program to help prevent relapse in anorexia nervosa by facing food-related fears.
This study is testing a friendly online program designed to help people recovering from anorexia nervosa face their fears about food and social situations, making it easier for them to stay on track and avoid setbacks in their recovery.
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Brain signs that predict relapse after anorexia treatment
This project looks at patterns of brain activity to help predict which adults with anorexia nervosa are likely to stay well after weight-restoration treatment.
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REACH+ program to prevent relapse in adults with anorexia nervosa
A program for adults with anorexia nervosa to reduce relapse after hospital treatment by testing habit-focused behavioral components.
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Improving prevention of relapse in anorexia nervosa
This study is all about helping people with anorexia nervosa stay healthy after they leave the hospital by finding better ways to change the habits that make it hard for them to eat well.
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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.
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.