Investigating brain function in anorexia and bulimia nervosa
Official title: Incentive Processing and Learning in Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa
Run by University of California, San Diego · NCT05056597 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is trying to see how the brains of women with anorexia and bulimia respond to rewards compared to healthy women, using brain scans while they do tasks and eat a meal.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 39 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 252 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of California, San Diego Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (La Jolla, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 26, 2022 |
| Main results expected | January 2027 |
| Study ends | January 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 28, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05056597 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include women aged 18-39 who meet DSM-V criteria for anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with psychotic illnesses, substance dependence, or other significant medical conditions 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 explore the brain areas involved in 'liking', 'wanting', and learning in adults with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa using advanced brain imaging techniques. It will involve 252 women aged 18-39, including those with different types of eating disorders and healthy controls. Participants will undergo functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while engaging in computer tasks, a test meal, and completing self-report questionnaires and interviews. The study will assess neural differences in reward processing and how these relate to clinical symptoms over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying eating disorders, potentially leading to improved treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results in understanding brain function in eating disorders, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Eating Disorder Group: * Between the ages of 18 and 39 years old * Meet DSM-V criteria for AN-R, AN-BP, or BN Healthy Control Group: * Between the ages of 18 and 39 years old * Have maintained 85% to 120% ideal body weight since menarche Exclusion Criteria: All Groups: * Psychotic illness/other mental illness requiring hospitalization * Current dependence on drugs or alcohol defined by DSM IV criteria. Additionally, positive test results for drug use on the day of the scan, apart of marijuana, will result in cancelling or rescheduling the scan because acute use will impact MRI measures. * Physical conditions (e.g. diabetes mellitus, pregnancy) known to influence eating or weight * Neurological disorder, neurodevelopmental disorder, or history of head injury with \>30 min loss of consciousness * Any contraindication to undergoing an MRI * Primary obsessive compulsive disorder or primary major depressive disorder Additional Exclusion Criteria for ED Group: -If taking other psychotropic medication, any change in dosage in the 2 weeks before scanning Additional Exclusion Criteria for Healthy Control Group: * Meet criteria for the diagnosis of any psychiatric disorder currently * Any history of binge eating or purging behaviors, including self-induced vomiting, laxative or diuretic misuse * Use of any psychoactive or other medication known to affect mood or concentration in the last 3 months
Where it's running
-
UCSD Eating Disorders Treatment and Research Program
La Jolla, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Christina Wierenga
- Email: cwierenga@health.ucsd.edu
- Phone: 858-534-8047
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Eating Disorder Dynamic Intervention
A digital program is tested to help adults with eating disorders by sending real-time, personalized coping tips based on smartphone surveys and sensor data.
-
Cognitive evaluation for people with eating disorders
This project tests whether thinking skills (like cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control) and automatic food-related attitudes differ among people aged 14–65 with ARFID, anorexia, or bulimia.
-
An AI chatbot to help teens and young adults with eating disorders manage anxiety about weight gain
This project will test an AI-powered chatbot that delivers exposure-based exercises to help adolescents and young adults in a partial hospitalization program reduce anxiety about weight gain.
-
Digital twins to classify mental health patterns in adults with diabetes
This project will try to create 'digital twin' profiles that combine glucose, mood, and behavior data to track mental health patterns in adults with diabetes.
-
Gastrointestinal symptoms during weight restoration in anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa with different diets
This project will test whether different nutritional strategies (flexitarian, vegetarian, or vegan) change gastrointestinal symptoms during multi-week inpatient weight rehabilitation for people with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.
-
Using fMRI to study brain activity in patients with eating disorders
This study is testing how brain activity changes in people with anorexia or bulimia over a year to see if these changes relate to their symptoms getting better.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.