Understanding decision-making in anorexia nervosa
Rule-Based Decision-Making: A Novel Neuroeconomic Mechanism of Anorexia Nervosa
This study is looking at how people with anorexia nervosa make choices and why they might struggle to change their thinking or behavior, with the hope of finding better ways to help them in their recovery.
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 ID | NIH-11135363 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how individuals with anorexia nervosa make decisions, particularly focusing on their cognitive and behavioral inflexibility. By utilizing a novel neuroeconomic approach, the study aims to identify specific decision-making dysfunctions that contribute to the relentless pursuit of weight loss in these patients. The researchers will employ a unique task designed to probe decision processes, which may lead to more targeted and effective interventions for anorexia nervosa. The goal is to enhance our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of this disorder and improve treatment strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with anorexia nervosa who exhibit cognitive and behavioral inflexibility.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have anorexia nervosa or those with other psychiatric disorders unrelated to decision-making dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized and effective treatments for individuals suffering from anorexia nervosa.
How similar studies have performed: This approach is relatively novel, but prior research in decision neuroscience has shown promise in understanding other psychiatric disorders.
Where this research is happening
Richmond, United States
- Virginia Commonwealth University — Richmond, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Haynos, Ann Frances — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Haynos, Ann Frances
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 below.