Exploring the mechanisms behind eating disorders
Official title: Study on the Mechanism of Eating Disorder
Run by Peking University · NCT05862389 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the brain and body work in people with anorexia and bulimia to find clues that could help with diagnosis and treatment.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 13 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 750 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Peking University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Beijing) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 1, 2022 |
| Main results expected | December 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2030 |
| Registry record updated | May 24, 2023 |
| Trial ID | NCT05862389 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 13-35 who have been diagnosed with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa according to DSM-5 criteria.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are currently taking psychiatric medications or do not meet the specific diagnostic criteria for anorexia or bulimia 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 observational study aims to investigate the underlying mechanisms of eating disorders, specifically anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. By utilizing a combination of clinical data, neuroimaging techniques such as functional and structural MRI, electroencephalogram (EEG) readings, and inflammatory cytokine analysis, the study seeks to identify biomarkers that could aid in diagnosis and treatment effectiveness. The research focuses on understanding the neuro-mechanisms that contribute to the etiology and maintenance of these disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic and treatment strategies for individuals suffering from eating disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While previous studies have explored biological mechanisms of eating disorders, this approach combining multiple data types to identify treatment biomarkers is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Anorexia nervosa 1. Anorexia nervosa according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) (DSM-5); 2. Age: 13-35 (including 13 and 35) 3. BMI: 13-17.5kg/m\^2 4. The participants and/or their legal guardians ( for participants who are younger than 18-year-old) sign the informed consent form voluntarily and agree to participate in all visits and examinations as required by the trial protocol. 5. Do not take any psychiatric medications in past one month. Bulimia nervosa 1. Bulimia nervosa according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) (DSM-5); 2. Age: 13-35 years old (including 13 and 35) 3. The participants and/or their legal guardians ( for participants who are younger than 18-year-old) sign the informed consent form voluntarily and agree to participate in all visits and examinations as required by the trial protocol. 4. Do not take any psychiatric medications in past one month. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Patients who meet DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for other mental disorders: Major depressive disorder, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, personality disorder, mental retardation; drug and/or alcohol dependence; 2. Patients who receive repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) or modified electroconvulsive therapy (MECT) treatment in past six months. 3. Patients with severe suicidal tendencies or suicidal behavior 4. Pregnant or lactating women; 5. Patients with MRI contraindications; 6. Patients who are regarded as unsuitable by investigators for this clinical trial.
Where it's running
-
Institute of Mental Health, Peking University Sixth Hospital
Beijing, China Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Tian-Mei Si, Ph.D
- Email: sitianmei@bjmu.edu.cn
- Phone: 861062723748
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Eating Disorder Dynamic Intervention
A digital program is tested to help adults with eating disorders by sending real-time, personalized coping tips based on smartphone surveys and sensor data.
-
Cognitive evaluation for people with eating disorders
This project tests whether thinking skills (like cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control) and automatic food-related attitudes differ among people aged 14–65 with ARFID, anorexia, or bulimia.
-
An AI chatbot to help teens and young adults with eating disorders manage anxiety about weight gain
This project will test an AI-powered chatbot that delivers exposure-based exercises to help adolescents and young adults in a partial hospitalization program reduce anxiety about weight gain.
-
Digital twins to classify mental health patterns in adults with diabetes
This project will try to create 'digital twin' profiles that combine glucose, mood, and behavior data to track mental health patterns in adults with diabetes.
-
Gastrointestinal symptoms during weight restoration in anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa with different diets
This project will test whether different nutritional strategies (flexitarian, vegetarian, or vegan) change gastrointestinal symptoms during multi-week inpatient weight rehabilitation for people with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.
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Using fMRI to study brain activity in patients with eating disorders
This study is testing how brain activity changes in people with anorexia or bulimia over a year to see if these changes relate to their symptoms getting better.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.