Understanding how people with anorexia and bulimia process rewards and learn from experiences
Incentive Processing and Learning in Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa
This study is looking at why some people with eating disorders, like anorexia and bulimia, struggle with food even when it hurts them, by exploring how their brains respond to rewards and learn from their experiences, and it invites patients to share their thoughts and feelings about eating.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11046539 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex motivations behind eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, focusing on how individuals process rewards and learn from their experiences related to food. By examining the brain's reward systems, the study aims to identify why some individuals engage in harmful eating behaviors despite negative consequences. The research employs a multi-dimensional framework to assess how feelings of 'liking' and 'wanting' food, along with learning from past experiences, contribute to these disorders. Patients may participate in assessments that explore their eating behaviors and responses to rewards.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who are diagnosed with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have an eating disorder or are under the age of 21 may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for eating disorders by improving our understanding of the underlying motivations and learning processes involved.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of applying a multi-dimensional framework to reward processing in eating disorders is relatively novel, similar studies in other areas of psychology have shown promising results.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wierenga, Christina E — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Wierenga, Christina E
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.