Using fMRI to study brain activity in patients with eating disorders
Functional MRI During Resting State in Patients with Eating Disorders: a Longitudinal Prospective Study on Neuropsychopathological Correlates
Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS · NCT06874348
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 |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS (other) |
| Locations | 2 sites (Florence and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06874348 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are females aged 12 to 40 with a current diagnosis of anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.
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.
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 performed: Other studies utilizing fMRI to explore brain activity in eating disorders have shown promising results, suggesting this approach is both relevant and potentially impactful.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Florence and 1 other locations
- 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
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: Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, resting state fMRI, longitudinal evaluation