High-frequency rTMS to change food choices in anorexia nervosa

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* DSM-5 Diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa
* Age 18-35 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 it's running

• 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

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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• Narrative medicine workshops to support teens and young adults with anorexia nervosa (virtual)

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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.