Understanding how habits affect recovery from anorexia nervosa

No Way Around But Through: Mechanisms of Persistence and Remission of Habits in Anorexia Nervosa

['FUNDING_R01'] · NEW YORK STATE PSYCHIATRIC INSTITUTE DBA RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR MENTAL HYGIENE, INC · NIH-10585957

This study is looking at why some people with anorexia nervosa find it hard to change their eating habits, even after getting help, by exploring how habits form in the brain, and it hopes to find better ways to support recovery for those affected.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorNEW YORK STATE PSYCHIATRIC INSTITUTE DBA RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR MENTAL HYGIENE, INC (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10585957 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms behind the persistence and remission of habits in individuals with anorexia nervosa. It aims to understand why some patients struggle to change their restrictive eating behaviors, even after treatment, by examining the role of habit formation and neural activity in the brain. Through a series of experiments, researchers will assess both habitual and goal-directed behaviors to identify factors that contribute to ongoing illness or successful recovery. The findings could lead to improved treatment strategies for those affected by this serious eating disorder.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with anorexia nervosa who are experiencing persistent restrictive eating behaviors.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have anorexia nervosa or those who are not currently struggling with restrictive eating patterns may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective interventions that help individuals with anorexia nervosa achieve and maintain remission.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding habit formation in various mental health disorders, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights for anorexia nervosa as well.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Mental disorders, Mental health disorders, Psychiatric Disease, Psychiatric Disorder, psychological disorder

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.