Naltrexone Neuroimaging in Teens with Eating Disorders

Launched by CHILDREN'S MERCY HOSPITAL KANSAS CITY · Aug 18, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how a medication called naltrexone can affect brain activity in teenagers and young adults who have eating disorders, such as binge eating or purging. The researchers want to see if special brain scans (called fMRI) can help us understand how naltrexone works in the brain by measuring changes in certain areas that are involved in feelings of reward. By comparing the effects of naltrexone to a placebo (a dummy treatment), the study aims to gather important information about how this medication might help those with eating disorders.

To be eligible for this study, participants should be between 13 and 21 years old and have a diagnosed eating disorder, like Bulimia Nervosa or Binge Eating Disorder. It's important that they have been on a stable medication for at least four weeks before joining the trial. Participants can expect to undergo brain scans during the study, and both the young person and their parent or guardian will need to agree to take part. This trial is currently recruiting, and it’s a great opportunity for young people who are looking for ways to manage their eating disorders while contributing to important research.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adolescents and young adults aged 13-21 years
• • Eating disorder diagnosis characterized by binge eating and/or purging (eg, Anorexia Nervosa-Binge/Purge, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, Other Specified Feeding/Eating Disorder) using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-V) criteria.
• • Stable medication regimen (no dose or drug changes in the past 4 weeks)
• • Participant and parent/legal guardian (if under 18 years) are willing and able to provide informed permission/assent/consent for the study
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Pregnant (via UCG)
• • Prior hypersensitivity reaction to naltrexone (e.g., anaphylaxis)
• • Non-removable metal in the body that is magnetic resonance imaging incompatible
• • Current naltrexone use
• • Self-reported opioid use in the past 7 days
• • A language barrier (e.g., non-English speaking) for the participant that precludes communication and/or ability to complete all study-related requirements.