Exploring the links between fear, gut responses, and eating disorders
Fear, Gastrointestinal Distress, and Interoception: Physiological and Psychological Mechanisms in Eating Disorders
This study tests how fear and gut feelings affect how full women aged 18 to 40 with eating disorders feel, to see if it helps explain their symptoms.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 152 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Ohio University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Athens, Ohio) |
| Trial ID | NCT05382702 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the relationship between fear, gastrointestinal responses, and perceptions of fullness in individuals with eating disorders. It aims to understand how these factors contribute to gastrointestinal distress and the maintenance of eating disorders. The approach involves testing meal descriptions and assessing physiological and psychological responses in participants. The study focuses on female individuals aged 18 to 40 with specific eating disorder criteria.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are females aged 18 to 40 who have a DSM-5 diagnosed eating disorder and experience gastrointestinal distress after eating.
Not a fit: Patients with medical conditions affecting appetite or weight, or those with specific phobias related to food, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment strategies for individuals suffering from eating disorders by addressing underlying physiological and psychological mechanisms.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study may be novel, similar studies have explored the connections between psychological factors and eating disorders, indicating potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * female * DSM-5 eating disorder * score 16 or higher on the Clinical Impairment Assessment * experience nausea or stomachache after eating at least "sometimes" * 18 to 40 years old * body mass index between 18.5 and 26.5 kg/m2 Exclusion Criteria: * medical conditions affect appetite or weight * Recent pregnancy or current breastfeeding * Dairy, strawberry or honey food allergy * Specific phobia, blood-injection-injury type
Where this trial is running
Athens, Ohio
- Ohio University — Athens, Ohio, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Katherine J Forney, PhD — Ohio University
- Study coordinator: Katherine J Forney, PhD
- Email: forney@ohio.edu
- Phone: 740-593-1085
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.