Understanding how serotonin affects brain circuits in anorexia nervosa
Serotonin Role on Brain Circuits Involved in Food Avoidance in Anorexia Nervosa : Study of Gaze Control and Multimodal Brain Imaging
This study is testing how serotonin affects brain areas linked to food avoidance in people with anorexia nervosa to find new ways to help them.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 75 (estimated) |
| Ages | 16 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint Etienne Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Saint-Étienne) |
| Trial ID | NCT05155280 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the role of serotonin in brain areas related to food avoidance in individuals with anorexia nervosa. Using a combination of positron emission tomography (PET) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), the research aims to explore the relationship between serotonin transmission abnormalities and restrictive eating behaviors. Participants will undergo imaging while their food preferences and choices are assessed, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies for treating anorexia nervosa.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include females diagnosed with restrictive anorexia nervosa who meet specific psychological and physical criteria.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of food compulsions or purging behaviors may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment options for patients with anorexia nervosa by targeting serotonin-related mechanisms.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific combination of PET and fMRI in this context is novel, previous studies have indicated the importance of serotonin in eating disorders, suggesting potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Common Criteria for inclusion : * Signature of written consent * Subject affiliated or entitled to a social security scheme Inclusion Criteria: Patients with restrictive anorexia nervosa (30 subjects). * Anorexia nervosa common features : fear of weight gain, dysmorphophobia, BMI \< 17.5 kg/ m², amenorrhea * Absence of food compulsions and purges * Subgroup 1 (15 subjects) : STAI Y2 anxiety score \> 61 * Subgroup 2 (15 subjects) : STAI Y2 anxiety score \< 51 Inclusion criteria - Female control subjects (15 subjects) * BMI between 18.5 and 25 kg/ m² * Absence of a psychological profile of eating disorder or other psychiatric disorders. Exclusion Criteria: * Subjects with an oral contraception and breastfeeding woman * Subject with heart failure * Subject treated during the last three months with neuroleptics, and antiparkinsonian drugs, monoamine oxidase (MAO)-A or monoamine oxidase (MOA)-B inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, 5HT reuptake inhibitors, thymo regulators (lithium), antiepileptic dugs, codeine derivatives, morphinics, tramadol-containing products (Topalgic, ...),dopaminergic drugs. * Subjects with suspected pregnancy; Test β human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) positive prior to examination. * Subjects for whom MRI is contraindicated (pacemaker, intracerebral clips, prosthesis made of ferromagnetic material or claustrophobia). * Subjects unable to sign written consent for participation in the study. * Subject deprived of liberty by a judicial or administrative decision
Where this trial is running
Saint-Étienne
- CHU de Saint-Etienne — Saint-Étienne, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Bogdan GALUSCA, PhD — Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint Etienne
- Study coordinator: Bogdan GALUSCA, PhD
- Email: bogdan.galusca@chu-st-etienne.fr
- Phone: (0)477127727
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.