Using fMRI to study brain activity in patients with eating disorders
Official title: Functional MRI During Resting State in Patients with Eating Disorders: a Longitudinal Prospective Study on Neuropsychopathological Correlates
Run by Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS · NCT06874348 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 12 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Florence and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 24, 2024 |
| Main results expected | October 2026 |
| Study ends | October 2026 |
| Registry record updated | March 13, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06874348 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are females aged 12 to 40 with a current diagnosis of anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, acute psychosis, substance abuse, or severe medical comorbidities 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 investigate the relationship between clinical symptoms and neurophysiological characteristics in patients diagnosed with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. Participants will undergo structural and functional MRI scans and complete psychometric questionnaires to assess their symptoms. The study will follow participants over a 12-month period to evaluate changes in brain activity and symptomatology. The primary hypothesis is that improvements in fMRI baseline alterations will correlate with symptom relief.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of the neurobiological underpinnings of eating disorders and inform more effective treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies utilizing fMRI to explore brain activity in eating disorders have shown promising results, suggesting this approach is both relevant and potentially impactful.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Female sex * Age between 12 and 40 years old * Current diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia Nervosa according to DSM-5-TR. Exclusion Criteria: * Previous or current diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, * Acute psychosis * Substance abuse * Severe medical comorbidities (hypercapnia, severe hypertension, cardiac arrhythmia, organ failure) * incapacity to grant written or verbal consent
Where it's running
-
Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Firenze
Florence, Italy Recruiting -
Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS
Florence, Italy Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Tiziana Pisano
- Email: t.pisano@meyer.it
- Phone: 0039 055 5662907
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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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.