Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 13 to 35

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 typeObservational
Ages13 Years to 35 Years
SexAll
Enrollment750 (estimated)
SponsorPeking University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Beijing)
StatusRecruiting
StartedSeptember 1, 2022
Main results expectedDecember 2027
Study endsDecember 2030
Registry record updatedMay 24, 2023
Trial IDNCT05862389 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

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.