Exploring brain function in autism and food addiction

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

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

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 78 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: University Hospital, Tours (Academic / other)
• Locations: 3 sites (Tours and 2 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT05391113 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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.

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

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

Eligibility 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 this trial is running

Tours and 2 other locations

• 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

• Principal investigator: Frédéric BRIEND, PhD — University Hospital,Tours -INSERM U1253 iBrain
• Study coordinator: Frédéric BRIEND, PhD

Conditions Autism Spectrum Disorder; Autism; MRI; Addictive disorders