Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 35 Women only

Using deep transcranial magnetic stimulation to enhance therapy for anorexia nervosa

Official title: Mechanisms of Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Enhances the Efficacy of Cognitive-behavioral Therapy (CBT) by Modulating Anterior Cingulate Cortex in Patients With Anorexia Nervosa

Run by Shanghai Mental Health Center · NCT06942858 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if adding a special brain stimulation treatment to therapy can help people with anorexia nervosa feel better and improve their recovery.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 35 Years
SexWomen only
Enrollment110 (estimated)
SponsorShanghai Mental Health Center
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality)
StatusRecruiting
StartedApril 30, 2025
Main results expectedSeptember 30, 2028
Study endsDecember 31, 2028
Registry record updatedMay 11, 2025
Trial IDNCT06942858 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are females aged 18-35 with a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa and a BMI between 13.0 kg/m2 and 18.5 kg/m2.

Probably not a fit

Patients with other psychiatric disorders, severe cognitive impairments, or those at high risk of suicide 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 clinical trial aims to investigate the effectiveness of deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) targeting the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for treating anorexia nervosa (AN). Participants will be randomly assigned to either the CBT+dTMS group or a control group receiving CBT with pseudostimulation. The study will involve a 6-week intervention period followed by a half-year follow-up to assess both immediate and long-term outcomes. Patients will undergo various assessments, including fMRI scans and psychometric evaluations, to measure the efficacy and safety of the combined treatment approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients with anorexia nervosa.

How similar studies have gone: While the combination of dTMS and CBT is a novel approach, previous studies have shown promise in using dTMS for various psychiatric conditions.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Inclusion Criteria:
* Female, aged 18-35 years, right handedness.
* Above primary education.
* Meet the diagnostic criteria of AN in DSM-V, and13.0 kg/m2 ≤ body mass index (BMI)\<18.5 kg/m2.
* No systemic nutritional therapy, psychiatric medication or any form of psychotherapy have been received within 1 month before enrollment.
* Able to understand the nature of this study and sign an informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosed with a DSM-5 disease other than anorexia nervosa, or at high risk of suicide, strong impulsive behavior as well as anti-social behavior.
* With severe physical or cognitive impairment.
* Not able to undergo MRI.
* Considered unsuitable for enrollment in this clinical trial for other reasons.

Where it's running

  • Shanghai Mental Health
    Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, China
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.