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Understanding Brain Activity in Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa

This observational study aims to understand how the brain processes 'liking,' 'wanting,' and learning in women with anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN). Researchers will use brain imaging (fMRI), computer tasks, a test meal, and questionnaires to look at brain activity. The study will include 252 women, aged 18 to 39, with either AN or BN, as well as a group of healthy women for comparison. The main goals are to see if there are differences in brain activity related to 'liking' and 'wanting,' and how people learn from rewards and punishments, between those with eating disorders and healthy individuals. This research does not involve any specific interventions or treatments.

Study design
This is an observational study involving 252 women, divided into groups with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and healthy controls.
What's involved
Not specified in the trial record.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Brain responses and learning abilities will be measured at 1 year.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT05056597

Incentive Processing and Learning in Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa

Recruiting
Not specifiedAges 18–39Observational
University of California, San Diego
~252 participants
Updated 2026-04-28 on ClinicalTrials.gov

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
BOLD response
Measured over 1 Year
+2 more outcomes measured

Conditions

Anorexia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa

Explore related trials

Anorexia NervosaBulimia Nervosa

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
California1

Who to contact

Christina Wierenga
[email protected]
858-534-8047
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Between the ages of 18 and 39 years old
Meet DSM-V criteria for AN-R, AN-BP, or BN
Between the ages of 18 and 39 years old
Have maintained 85% to 120% ideal body weight since menarche

Exclusion

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

What this trial measures

  • BOLD response1 Year

    Brain activity associated with 'liking', 'wanting', and learning

  • Reward and Punishment Learning1 Year

    Task reinforcement learning rate in reward and punishment trials

  • Connectome-based predictive modeling (CPM)1 Year

    Functional connectivity maps from task-based fMRI data and clinical data