Avoidance-driven Decision Making and Learning in Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · Aug 20, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how certain areas of the brain are involved in decision-making and learning, especially in people with eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Researchers want to understand how these individuals learn to avoid certain situations or feelings, which may be linked to their symptoms. They will include 78 women aged 18 to 39—26 with anorexia, 26 with bulimia, and 26 healthy individuals. By using brain scans and computer tasks, the study aims to identify differences in brain activity and behavior between those with eating disorders and healthy participants.

To be eligible for the study, participants with eating disorders must meet specific criteria for anorexia or bulimia, while healthy controls must have maintained a healthy weight since their first period. Participants will undergo brain imaging and complete questionnaires about their experiences. It’s important to note that individuals with certain mental health issues, substance dependence, or physical conditions that affect eating or weight may not qualify for the study. Overall, this research hopes to provide insights that could improve understanding and treatment of eating disorders.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• Eating Disorder Group:
• • Between the ages of 18 and 39 years old
• • Meet DSM-V criteria for anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa
• Healthy Controls:
• • Between the ages of 18 and 39 years old
• • Have maintained 85% to 120% ideal body weight since menarche
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 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