Brain stimulation and training for restrictive eating disorders
tDCS and Cognitive Training for Restrictive Eating Disorders
This study is testing if a new brain stimulation technique combined with training can help adults with restrictive eating disorders like anorexia feel better and improve their eating habits.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Minnesota Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota) |
| Trial ID | NCT06624150 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of non-invasive transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with cognitive training on adults with restrictive eating disorders, specifically anorexia nervosa and atypical anorexia nervosa. Participants will undergo 10 sessions of either active or sham tDCS, alongside computerized brain training, over a 3-4 week period. The study aims to assess the potential enhancement of cognitive functions related to eating behaviors through this innovative approach.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-65 who are currently receiving outpatient treatment for anorexia nervosa or atypical anorexia nervosa.
Not a fit: Patients with substance abuse issues, serious psychiatric disorders affecting brain function, or medical instability may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve cognitive functioning and treatment outcomes for patients with restrictive eating disorders.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of tDCS in treating eating disorders is relatively novel, similar brain stimulation techniques have shown promise in other psychiatric conditions.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-65 years * Self-reported enrollment in outpatient-level treatment at local eating disorder treatment centers in the Twin Cities region, and meeting DSM-5 criteria for AN (mild severity, based on BMI greater than or equal to 17.0 kg/m2) or atypical AN diagnosis (based on MINI and EDE assessments). * Participant must be capable of giving informed consent, based on UCSD Brief Assessment of Capacity to Consent (UBACC) risk assessment. * Sufficient spoken English so as to be able to comprehend testing procedures. Normative ranges on a C-RENAL blood panel (panel and ranges specified here: https://labguide.fairview.org/showtest.asp?testid=3321) Exclusion Criteria: * Substance abuse in the participant * Neurological condition or other developmental disorder * Serious psychiatric disorder known to affect brain functioning and cognitive performance (e.g., schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder) * Medical instability, which will be evident based on required outpatient treatment status. In standard eating disorders treatment, individuals who are not medically stable are referred to higher levels of care (e.g., residential treatment, inpatient). Therefore, if a participant is enrolled in higher level care for their eating disorder diagnosis, this indicates medical instability and they will be excluded from enrollment in this study. * tDCS contraindication (e.g., history of craniotomy, history of metallic cranial plates, screws, implanted devices). * Acute suicidality (suicidalideation with a plan or intent), assessed via MINI suicidality module and Beck Depression Inventory suicide item * Acute homicidality (homicidal ideation with a plan or intent), assessed via MINI * Moderate, severe or extreme AN diagnostic severity, based on BMI as per DSM-5 criteria (e.g., BMI \<17.0 kg/m2)
Where this trial is running
Minneapolis, Minnesota
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Lisa Anderson — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Maya Day
- Email: day0016@umn.edu
- Phone: 612-625-1542
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.