Influence of Reward and Punishment on Goal-directed and Habit Learning in Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa

NCT04051879 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 182110
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 78
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The proposed study of adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN) will examine the association of behavioral differences in constructs of decision making, brain structure and connectivity, and eating disorder (ED) symptoms. This study tests the novel hypothesis that goal-directed and habit learning for reward and punishment is altered in AN and is uniquely associated with divergent symptoms and differences in corticostriatal connectivity and microstructural integrity. We will recruit 78 females currently ill with AN and 26 controls ages 13-17 to investigate how goal-directed and habit learning for reward and punishment correspond to 1) clinical symptoms collected via interviews, self-report assessments, and ecological momentary assessment (EMA), and 2) brain structure and connectivity in the resting state. Data collection will rely on a technology called functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Conditions

Anorexia Nervosa

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Learning Task

  A learning computer task will be used to dissociate model-based and model-free learning.

  Computer Task (Baseline)

• Brain Function

  Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging will be used to correlate brain function with a weighting factor (ω), representing the relative balance between learning biases.

  fMRI Scan (Baseline)

Study Arms (3)

AN-R

Participants that meet Diagnostic And Statistical Manual Of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) criteria for Anorexia Nervosa restricting subtype.

AN-BP

Participants that meet DSM-V criteria for Anorexia Nervosa binging/purging subtype.

Healthy Controls

Participants that do not meet DSM-V criteria for any disorder.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 13 Years - 17 Years
• Sex: female
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

We will recruit from a clinical sample for the AN groups. We will recruit from a community sample for the healthy control group.

You may qualify if:

• AN Group:
• Between the ages of 13 and 17 years old
• Meet DSM-V criteria for AN-R or AN-BP
• Medically stable per American Academy of Pediatrics and the Society of Adolescent Medicine requirements, at least 75% adjusted ideal body weight, but still symptomatic as assessed by the Eating Disorders Examination and clinical report
• Be at least 75% of adjusted ideal body weight
• Healthy Control Group:
• Between the ages of 13 and 17 years old

You may not qualify if:

• 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
• If taking other psychotropic medication, any change in dosage in the 2 weeks before scanning
• Meet or met criteria for the diagnosis of any psychiatric disorder in their lifetime
• 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
• Have maintained 90% to 120% ideal body weight since menarche

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of California, San Diego: lead

Study Sites (1)

University of California, San Diego

San Diego, California, 92121, United States

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Anorexia Nervosa

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Feeding and Eating Disorders; Mental Disorders

Study Officials

• Christina Wierenga, PhD

  University of California, San Diego

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: CASE CONTROL
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Associate Professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: August 2, 2019
• First Posted: August 9, 2019
• Study Start: April 1, 2019
• Primary Completion: March 24, 2025
• Study Completion: May 8, 2026
• Last Updated: May 11, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-05

Locations

US (1)