Understanding how people with anorexia nervosa learn from their internal body signals
Official title: Computational and neural signatures of interoceptive learning in anorexia nervosa
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10983747 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how women with anorexia nervosa understand and respond to their body's signals compared to women without the condition, to help us learn more about their eating behaviors and improve treatment options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $41,695 |
| NIH project number | 5F31MH133362-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10983747 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adult women diagnosed with anorexia nervosa.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have anorexia nervosa or are not adult women may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the unique ways individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) process and learn from their internal bodily signals, particularly focusing on aversive interoceptive learning. By comparing the learning patterns of 32 adult women with AN to 32 healthy controls, the study aims to uncover how discrepancies between expected and actual sensations affect their eating behaviors. The research utilizes advanced neuroimaging techniques to explore the brain regions involved in this learning process, such as the insula and amygdala, and how these areas may function differently in those with AN. The findings could provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of disordered eating and inform future treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for individuals suffering from anorexia nervosa.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on aversive interoceptive learning in anorexia nervosa is relatively novel, related research in other areas of eating disorders has shown promising results.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brown, Carina Samantha — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Brown, Carina Samantha
Related research
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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.