tDCS to improve cognitive flexibility and EEG brainwave patterns in orthorexia nervosa
Effects of tDCS on Cognitive Flexibility and EEG Oscillations in Orthorexia Nervosa
NA · Istanbul Medipol University Hospital · NCT07141979
This trial will test whether noninvasive brain stimulation (tDCS) can improve thinking flexibility and change EEG patterns in adults with orthorexia nervosa.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 48 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Istanbul Medipol University Hospital (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul) |
| Trial ID | NCT07141979 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults with high orthorexia scores will be randomized to receive either active or sham transcranial direct current stimulation while undergoing EEG and cognitive flexibility testing before and after the intervention. The study uses standardized instruments including the TON-17, Beck Depression Inventory, and a computerized cognitive flexibility task, with EEG recorded and analyzed for oscillatory changes. Data will be compared pre- and post-intervention using repeated-measures statistics and appropriate nonparametric tests when needed. Participants must meet age and medical screening criteria and attend in-person sessions at the study center in Istanbul.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–40 with a TON-17 score of 61 or higher and a Beck Depression Inventory score of 17 or less who have no serious neurological or psychiatric history are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People outside the 18–40 age range, with significant psychiatric or neurological disorders, on medications that change cortical excitability, or with implanted metal/stimulating devices are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce rigid eating-related thinking by improving cognitive flexibility and producing measurable EEG changes.
How similar studies have performed: Noninvasive brain stimulation has shown promise for improving cognitive flexibility in other psychiatric and obsessive conditions, but EEG findings specific to orthorexia nervosa are novel and unestablished.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Being between the ages of 18-40, * Having a score of 17 or less on the Beck Depression Inventory * Having a score of 61 or more on the Test for Orthorexia Nervosa (TON-17) for the orthorexia group Exclusion Criteria: * Having a history of serious neurological and psychiatric illness, * Currently taking medication that alters the cortical excitability level, * Having visual defects that cannot be corrected with glasses * Use of intracranial metal objects, implanted stimulating devices or pacemakers
Where this trial is running
Istanbul
- Istanbul Medipol University — Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Saliha Şahintürk Şentürk, PhD
- Email: salihasahinturk@gmail.com
- Phone: +90 531 566 03 22
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.
Conditions: Orthorexia Nervosa, cognitive flexibility, tDCS, EEG Oscillations