Incentive Processing and Learning in Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · Sep 15, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how the brain processes feelings of 'liking' and 'wanting' food, as well as how people learn from rewards and punishments, in adults with eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Researchers will use brain scans (called fMRI) and other methods to understand the differences in brain activity between women with these conditions and healthy women. The study will involve 252 women, including those with different types of eating disorders and healthy individuals, all aged between 18 and 39.

To participate, women with eating disorders must meet specific criteria for their condition, while healthy participants must have maintained a stable body weight. Participants will complete computer tasks, self-report questionnaires, and take part in a test meal during the study. It's important to note that some medical conditions or current substance use may exclude individuals from participating. This research aims to improve our understanding of eating disorders and may help in developing better treatments in the future.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• Eating Disorder Group:
• • Between the ages of 18 and 39 years old
• • Meet DSM-V criteria for AN-R, AN-BP, or BN
• Healthy Control Group:
• • Between the ages of 18 and 39 years old
• • Have maintained 85% to 120% ideal body weight since menarche
• Exclusion Criteria:
• All Groups:
• • Psychotic illness/other mental illness requiring hospitalization
• • Current dependence on drugs or alcohol defined by DSM IV criteria. Additionally, positive test results for drug use on the day of the scan, apart of marijuana, will result in cancelling or rescheduling the scan because acute use will impact MRI measures.
• • Physical conditions (e.g. diabetes mellitus, pregnancy) known to influence eating or weight
• • Neurological disorder, neurodevelopmental disorder, or history of head injury with \>30 min loss of consciousness
• • Any contraindication to undergoing an MRI
• • Primary obsessive compulsive disorder or primary major depressive disorder
• Additional Exclusion Criteria for ED Group:
• • -If taking other psychotropic medication, any change in dosage in the 2 weeks before scanning
• Additional Exclusion Criteria for Healthy Control Group:
• • Meet criteria for the diagnosis of any psychiatric disorder currently
• • Any history of binge eating or purging behaviors, including self-induced vomiting, laxative or diuretic misuse
• • Use of any psychoactive or other medication known to affect mood or concentration in the last 3 months