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

NCT06566612 | Recruiting DMC

• 1 other identifier: 810384
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 78
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to investigate areas of the brain responsible for avoidance learning in adults with eating disorders using brain imaging techniques, computer tasks, and self-report questionnaires and interviews. The investigators will study changes in brain activity using a procedure called functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). This study will include 78 women with an eating disorder (26 with anorexia nervosa \[AN\], 26 with bulimia nervosa \[BN\]) and 26 healthy controls (HC) aged 18-39. Aim 1: Evaluate behavioral differences in active and passive avoidance learning in eating disorders and associations with symptoms. Aim 2: Evaluate whether corticostriatal and limbic-prefrontal fMRI BOLD response associated with avoidance learning differs in eating disorders relative to healthy controls and relates to symptoms. Aim 3: Evaluate whether functional connectivity of avoidance learning neural circuity differs in eating disorders relative to healthy controls.

Conditions

Bulimia Nervosa; Anorexia Nervosa

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Learning rate

  Behavioral responses during a card game gambling task

  25 minutes

• fMRI brain response

  fMRI brain activity associated with the card game gambling task

  25 minutes

• Brain connectivity

  Whole-brain functional connectivity associated with the card game gambling task

  10 minutes

Study Arms (3)

Anorexia Nervosa

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

Bulimia Nervosa

Participants that meet DSM-V criteria for Bulimia Nervosa.

Healthy Controls

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

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 39 Years
• Sex: female
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The study will recruit 52 adult women currently ill with an eating disorder, including anorexia nervosa (AN; n=26) and bulimia nervosa (BN, n=26), and 26 healthy control (HC) women between the ages of 18 and 39.

You may qualify if:

• 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

You may not qualify if:

• 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 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

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of California, San Diego: lead

Study Sites (1)

UCSD Eating Disorders Treatment and Research Program

La Jolla, California, 92121, United States

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Bulimia Nervosa; Anorexia Nervosa

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Feeding and Eating Disorders; Mental Disorders

Central Study Contacts

Christina E Wierenga, PhD

CONTACT

858-534-8047; cwierenga@health.ucsd.edu

Study Design

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

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: August 15, 2024
• First Posted: August 22, 2024
• Study Start: August 1, 2024
• Primary Completion (Estimated): July 31, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): July 31, 2027
• Last Updated: May 1, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Locations

US (1)