Investigating Anorexia Nervosa's Impact on Brain and Body in Adolescents
Anorexia Nervosa and Its Effects on Brain Function, Body Metabolism and Their Interaction in Adolescents
This study is trying to see how anorexia nervosa affects the brain and body in teenage girls by comparing those with the condition to healthy girls over three years.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 13 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Turku University Hospital Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Turku) |
| Trial ID | NCT05357053 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research project aims to explore the neurological, physiological, and behavioral factors associated with anorexia nervosa in adolescents. Over three years, the study will follow 100 girls aged 13-17, including 50 with anorexia nervosa and 50 healthy controls, using structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) alongside physiological measurements and questionnaires. The study also includes an investigation of intestinal microbiota and a cardiac sub-study involving MRI and ultrasound examinations. Participants will be monitored annually, with fMRI scans repeated at the final visit to assess changes over time.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include females aged 13-17 with a body mass index less than 17.5 kg/m2 who meet the diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa.
Not a fit: Patients with chronic illnesses or other mental disorders, as well as those who smoke or abuse substances, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved methods for predicting and influencing the course of anorexia nervosa in adolescents.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in understanding anorexia nervosa through similar neurological and physiological approaches, but this specific combination of methods is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria for anorexia nervosa patients: * Female sex * Age 13-17 years * Body mass index \< 17.5 kg/m2 * Currently fulfilling modified Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) diagnosis criteria for anorexia nervosa with or without amenorrhea * Anorexia nervosa diagnosed within 2 yers Inclusion criteria for healthy controls: * Female sex * Age 13-17 years * Body mass index 18,5-25 kg/m2 * No lifetime history of obesity (Body mass index ≥ 30) or eating disorders Exclusion criteria: * Any chronic illness or medication that could affect glucose metabolism or neurotransmission * Any other current mental disorder (excluding anorexia nervosa for the patient participants) * Severe previous mental disorder (excluding anorexia nervosa for the patient participants) * Smoking of tobacco, snuffing, or use of narcotics * Abusive use of alcohol
Where this trial is running
Turku
- Turku PET Centre — Turku, Finland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Max Karukivi, MD, PhD — Turku University Hospital
- Study coordinator: Max Karukivi, MD, PhD
- Email: max.karukivi@utu.fi
- Phone: 0503274340
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.