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Cerebellar tDCS Stimulation for Anorexia Nervosa

This study is looking at how a type of brain stimulation called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) might help women with Anorexia Nervosa. Researchers will use two types of tDCS, anodal and cathodal, which involve placing electrodes on the head to deliver a mild electrical current. The study aims to see if tDCS can help with social behaviors and brain activity in women aged 15 to 30 who have Anorexia Nervosa. Success will be measured by observing changes in social behaviors using specific games (Cyberball and Trust Game) and by looking at brain activity with fMRI imaging. The study is currently recruiting 15 participants.

Study design
This is a randomized, single-blind study involving 15 female participants. Each participant will receive both anodal and cathodal tDCS stimulation, but will not know which type they are receiving at the time.
What's involved
You would have an initial screening, a virtual consent visit, and an intake visit with questionnaires. Then, you would have a session involving 20 minutes of tDCS stimulation while in an MRI scanner, followed by tasks in the scanner.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The primary outcomes, including social behaviors and neurological impacts, will be measured at 1 year after the intervention.

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NCT06286930

Cerebellar tDCS Stimulation in Children and Adult Women With Anorexia Nervosa Disorder

Recruiting
NAAges 15–30InterventionalTreatment
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
~15 participants
Updated 2026-02-05 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:anodal trans cranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)cathodal trans cranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
tDCS impact on social behaviors using Cyberball
Measured over 1 year
+2 more outcomes measured

Conditions

Anorexia Nervosa

Explore related trials

Anorexia Nervosa

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Texas1

Who to contact

Haley Walker
[email protected]
214-648-4617
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa (AN)
Female participants
Age 15-30 years old inclusive at time of enrollment
Ability of parent or legal guardian to provide informed consent if participant is under 18 years old.
Ability of patients ages 15-17 to give assent to the study.
Completion of the signed HIPAA authorization form by a parent or legal guardian or by participants (18 years of age).

Exclusion

Pregnancy
Known history of traumatic brain injury that required medical care
Non-English speaking (based on standardized neuropsychological testing and questionnaires)
Claustrophobic
Brain Implants
Pacemakers
Hearing or visual impairment
Any biomedical or metal implants in any part of the body (excluding orthopedic implants)

What this trial measures

  • tDCS impact on social behaviors using Cyberball1 year

    To observe the impacts and outcomes of cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on social behaviors measured by Cyberball. Cyberball is a virtual ball toss game utilized to measure ostracism, social exclusion, rejection, etc. This measure predicts whether or not the behavior of the participant will change how they react to the game after receiving transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS).

  • tDCS impact on social behaviors using the Trust Game1 year

    To observe the impacts and outcomes of cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on social behaviors measured by the Trust Game. The Trust Game Examines how expectations about prior behaviors influence current behavior and responses. Using a computational psychiatry approach in which neuroimaging data is sorted based on the behaviors experienced in the game (reciprocity). The prediction is to see after tDCS administration, will the behaviors of the participant change towards the online player in the trust game or not.

  • neurological impacts of tDCS as measured by fMRI imaging1 year

    To observe the potential re-connection between the cerebellum and the default mode network as well as other areas of the brain during transcranial direct current stimulation measured by fMRI imaging.