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

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

Status
Recruiting
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Observational
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT06566612
Enrollment
78
Registered
2024-08-22
Start date
2024-08-01
Completion date
2027-07-31
Last updated
2026-05-01

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa

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.

Interventions

None listed

Sponsors

University of California, San Diego
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Observational model
CASE_CONTROL
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
18 Years to 39 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

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

Exclusion criteria

* 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 Additional

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Learning rate25 minutesBehavioral responses during a card game gambling task
fMRI brain response25 minutesfMRI brain activity associated with the card game gambling task
Brain connectivity10 minutesWhole-brain functional connectivity associated with the card game gambling task

Countries

United States

Contacts

CONTACTChristina E Wierenga, PhD
cwierenga@health.ucsd.edu858-534-8047

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: May 2, 2026