High-frequency rTMS to change food choices in anorexia nervosa
Deciphering the Neural Mechanisms of Restrictive Eating in Anorexia Nervosa Using Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
This study will try high-frequency rTMS to the DLPFC to see if it reduces restrictive food choices in adult women hospitalized with anorexia nervosa.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 72 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | New York State Psychiatric Institute Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT05918835 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Researchers will enroll right-handed women ages 18–30 with DSM-5 anorexia nervosa who are voluntarily admitted to the NYSPI inpatient unit. Participants are randomized in a double-blind, parallel design to receive neuronavigation-guided high-frequency rTMS to an individualized DLPFC target or a sham procedure. fMRI and a computerized food-choice task are performed before and after intervention to measure changes in dorsal striatum activity and restrictive food choice behavior. Group comparisons will test whether modulating DLPFC activity alters the neural circuits thought to drive restrictive eating.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are right-handed female adults aged 18–30 with DSM-5 anorexia nervosa, BMI ≥16, medically stable and voluntarily admitted to the NYSPI inpatient eating disorders unit.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of seizures, implanted ferromagnetic devices, active substance use disorder or psychosis, significant medical or neurological illness, or food restrictions that affect the task are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce restrictive food choices and help patients broaden their diets, potentially lowering relapse risk.
How similar studies have performed: Prior small rTMS studies targeting prefrontal regions in anorexia and related disorders have shown mixed but encouraging preliminary results, so the approach is promising but still experimental.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * DSM-5 Diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa * Age 18-30 years * Female * Right-handed * Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 16.0 * Voluntarily admitted to inpatient eating disorders unit at NYSPI * Competent to provide informed consent * English-speaking * Medically stable Exclusion Criteria: * High risk of suicide * Current substance use disorder or other co- morbid psychiatric condition requiring specialized treatment (e.g., psychosis) * Diagnosis of major medical or neurological problem or taking medication that significantly increases risk for seizure or affects interpretation of findings (e.g., unstable hypertension, seizure disorder) * Food restrictions (e.g., allergies) which impact greater than 30% of food choice task's choice options * Indwelling ferromagnetic metallic object (e.g., pacemaker, pump), non- removable metal jewelry, medicinal patch or recent metallic ink tattoo * History of seizure * Diagnosis of epilepsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases, meningoencephalitis or intracerebral abscess, or parenchymal or leptomeningeal cancers * Prior exposure to TMS * Pregnancy * Currently breast-feeding * Significant claustrophobia * Implanted devices or stimulators * Hearing loss (e.g., currently undergoing treatment with ototoxic medications or those with cochlear implants)
Where this trial is running
New York, New York
- New York State Psychiatric Institute — New York, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Alexandra F Muratore, PhD — New York Sate Psychiatric Institute
- Study coordinator: Alexandra F Muratore, PhD
- Email: afm2166@cumc.columbia.edu
- Phone: 646-774-8053
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.