Functional MRI During Resting State in Patients with Eating Disorders

Launched by MEYER CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL IRCCS · Mar 11, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how brain function in patients with eating disorders, specifically Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa, changes over time. Researchers want to see if improvements in brain activity, measured by a special type of brain scan called Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), are linked to improvements in symptoms. They also want to find out if changes in brain function relate to the severity of the eating disorder symptoms.

To participate, individuals must be female, aged between 12 and 40, and currently diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia Nervosa. Participants will fill out questionnaires about their feelings and experiences, undergo an fMRI scan, and return for a follow-up appointment in 12 months. This study is currently looking for volunteers, and it’s important to note that those with certain mental health issues, substance abuse problems, or serious medical conditions may not be eligible.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility 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