Examining cortisol and brain structure in anorexia nervosa

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the relationship between cortisol levels and various psychological factors, such as depression and anxiety, as well as the volume of specific brain regions (hippocampus and insula) in individuals with anorexia nervosa. The research aims to understand how stress and starvation affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and contribute to the severity of anorexia nervosa. By analyzing these associations, the study seeks to provide insights into the neurobiological underpinnings of the disorder and its impact on cognitive functions.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Women who fulfill the criteria for AN according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), version 5 (APA, 2013).
2. BMI \< 16.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Current treatment with glucocorticoids.
2. Current use of oral contraceptives.
3. Unstable acute somatic comorbidity, e.g., infection.
4. Any kind of metal prostheses or -implants.

Where it's running

• Odense University Hospital
  Odense, Denmark Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: René K Støving, PhD — Odense University Hospital
• Study coordinator: René K Støving, PhD
• Email: rene.stoeving@rsyd.dk
• Phone: 65411710

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Specialist Supportive Clinical Management for teens with anorexia or atypical anorexia

  This study tests a teen-focused SSCM approach to help 13-17 year-olds with anorexia nervosa or atypical anorexia nervosa when other treatments haven’t worked or can’t be used.

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• Identifying Signatures of Gut Interoception in Functional Dyspepsia and Anorexia Nervosa

  This study tests how the gut-brain connection works in people with functional dyspepsia or anorexia nervosa using brain imaging.

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• Online FBT-DBT for Caregivers of Teens with Anorexia Nervosa

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• Eating Disorder Dynamic Intervention

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  Recruiting Trustees of Dartmouth College · Lebanon, New Hampshire · NCT07600671

• Hormone and metabolic patterns in hypothalamus-like brain cells from people with anorexia nervosa

  This study will test whether hypothalamic-like neurons made from adult women with long-standing anorexia nervosa respond differently to metabolic hormones than neurons from healthy women.

  Recruiting University of Zurich · Zurich · NCT07580209

• Narrative medicine workshops to support teens and young adults with anorexia nervosa (virtual)

  This program tests whether a six-week series of narrative medicine workshops can help 16–25-year-olds with anorexia nervosa express themselves, reflect, and build resilience.

  Recruiting University of California, San Francisco · San Francisco, California · NCT07579442

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.