Examining brain responses to food images in adolescents with eating disorders and healthy peers
Comparing Neural Responses to Explicit and Subliminal Food Images in EDNOS Patients and Healthy Controls Using fMRI
This study looks at how the brains of teenagers with anorexia nervosa respond to pictures of food compared to their healthy peers to see if it can help spot early signs of the eating disorder.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Ages | 13 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Uppsala University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Uppsala, Uppsala Län) |
| Trial ID | NCT01882023 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying anorexia nervosa (AN) in adolescents by comparing their brain responses to food images with those of healthy controls using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI). The research focuses on understanding cognitive dysfunctions associated with AN, particularly the role of working memory and its impact on appetite regulation. By identifying differences in brain activation patterns, the study seeks to provide insights that could lead to early diagnostic tools for identifying adolescents at risk of developing AN.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are right-handed females aged 13 to 18 who are either diagnosed with anorexia nervosa or are healthy controls with a normal BMI.
Not a fit: Patients who are left-handed, on medication, or have other illnesses that could interfere with the study will not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved early identification and intervention strategies for adolescents at risk of developing anorexia nervosa.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies examining brain responses in eating disorders, this specific approach using fMRI to compare adolescents with AN to healthy controls is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Females * Age 13 - 18 yrs * Right handed * For controls: BMI within the "normal" range * For patients: Be admitted to treatment for an eating disorder Exclusion Criteria: * On medication * Suffering from any other illnesses * Left handed * Metal implants which can impact the fMRI image * Severe claustrophobia * Pregnancy * Smoker * Regular alcohol drinker
Where this trial is running
Uppsala, Uppsala Län
- Röntgenavdelningen, Uppsala Academic Hospital — Uppsala, Uppsala Län, Sweden (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Christina Zhukovsky, MMed — Uppsala University
- Study coordinator: Christina Zhukovsky, MMed
- Email: christina.zhukovsky@neuro.uu.se
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.