Clinical trial Recruiting at 3 sites Interventional Ages 18 and up

Exploring brain function in autism and food addiction

Official title: Stimuli Sociaux et Non-sociaux du système de récompense : Une étude en IRM Chez Des Sujets Avec Trouble du Spectre de l'Autisme et Des Sujets Avec un Trouble Addictif à l'Alimentation. - RESYSTAA

Run by University Hospital, Tours · NCT05391113 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing how brain activity works in adults with autism and food addiction to see if there are any similarities in how their reward systems function compared to healthy individuals.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment78 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Tours
Academic / other
Locations3 sites (Tours and 2 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJuly 27, 2023
Main results expectedJuly 2028
Study endsJuly 2028
Registry record updatedNovember 9, 2026
Trial IDNCT05391113 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include adults diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Food Addictive Disorder, as well as healthy volunteers without neurological or psychiatric histories.

Probably not a fit

Patients with significant neuromotor disorders, visual disturbances incompatible with MRI, or current substance use disorders may not benefit from this study.

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

What this trial studies

This study investigates the neural networks associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Food Addictive Disorder (FAD) using MRI technology. Participants include adults diagnosed with ASD, those with food addiction, and healthy volunteers for comparison. The research aims to identify common pathophysiological features related to the dysfunction of the reward system in these conditions. By analyzing brain activity through MRI and EEG, the study seeks to enhance understanding of the underlying mechanisms of these disorders.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for individuals with autism and food addiction.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in exploring the reward system in related disorders, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Arm A ˗ Concerning ASD patients: Adult carrying the diagnosis of ASD (DSM-5, ADOS, ADI-R criteria)

Arm B ˗ Concerning FAD patients: Adult diagnosed with FA presenting with food addiction (DSM-5, YFAS 2.0, BES \>= 18 criteria).

Arm C ˗ Concerning healthy volunteers : Adult with no neurological and psychiatric history , absence of progressive somatic pathologies or with vital risk.

For all participants:

* Age greater than or equal to 18 years old
* Without intellectual delay (IQ \> 70).
* Able to understand and apply the instruction when an active task is proposed, according to the estimate of the investigator.
* Free, express, informed and written consent of the participant.
* Participant affiliated to a social security scheme

Exclusion Criteria:

* Neuromotor disorders.
* Visual disturbances not corrected or incompatible with MRI.
* Known epilepsy.
* Current substance use disorder with emotional distress/significant impact on functional outcome
* Rare genetic syndrome.
* Contraindications to MRI (other than body circumference)
* For women of childbearing age: negative urine or blood pregnancy test
* Person subject to a measure of judicial protection (safeguard of justice, curatorship, guardianship or family authorization)

Where it's running

  • Center-Val de Loire Region Autism Resource Center
    Tours, France
    Recruiting
  • University Addictology Service, Liaison Team and Addictology Care
    Tours, France
    Recruiting
  • University Hospital, Medical Imaging Service
    Tours, France
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

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

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.