Identifying risk factors for anorexia and bulimia in adolescents
Identifying Risk Factors That Predict Onset of Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa
This study is trying to find out what factors might lead to anorexia or bulimia in teenage girls by looking at different groups of girls with varying risk levels for these eating disorders.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years to 16 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Stanford University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Stanford, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT05133037 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to identify risk factors that predict the future onset of anorexia nervosa and to explore how these risk processes differ from those associated with bulimia nervosa. The study will compare three groups of healthy adolescent girls: those at high risk for anorexia, those at high risk for bulimia, and those at low risk for eating disorders. Data will be collected through MRI scans and analyzed using advanced statistical methods to ensure accuracy and reliability. The goal is to enhance understanding of these eating disorders and improve prevention strategies.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are female adolescents aged 12 to 16 with a biological parental history of anorexia or bulimia, or no history of psychiatric diagnoses.
Not a fit: Patients currently diagnosed with an eating disorder or those with major psychiatric disorders will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better prevention strategies for anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa in adolescents.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on eating disorders, this approach focusing on risk factors in a comparative manner is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Female * Ages 12 - 16 * Must have biological parental history of AN or BN, or no history of psychiatric diagnoses Exclusion Criteria: * Current diagnosis of an Eating Disorder; * Symptoms of major psychiatric disorders (substance use disorders, conduct disorder, attention deficit hyperactive disorder, major depression, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, generalized anxiety disorder); * Serious medical conditions (diabetes, brain injury, cancer); * Body Mass Index (BMI) \<17.5; * Any contraindications for MRI (e.g. metal objects/implants in body, irremovable body piercings, tattoos or braces, medications that interfere with MRI, history of head injury with loss of consciousness, phobia that wouldn't allow them to complete the MRI); * Current regular psychoactive drug use; * Relevant food allergies; * Not in age range
Where this trial is running
Stanford, California
- Stanford University — Stanford, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Eric Stice, PhD — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Kristen Gee, B.S.
- Email: ktgee@stanford.edu
- Phone: 650-285-2049
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.