Exploring the mechanisms behind eating disorders
Study on the Mechanism of Eating Disorder
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 |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 750 (estimated) |
| Ages | 13 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Peking University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Beijing) |
| Trial ID | NCT05862389 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: While previous studies have explored biological mechanisms of eating disorders, this approach combining multiple data types to identify treatment biomarkers is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Beijing
- 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
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.