Avoidance-driven Decision Making and Learning in Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot listed
Trial typeObservational
Biological sexFemale
Age18-39
SponsorUniversity of California, San Diego
About this trial
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.
Eligibility criteria
This trial accepts healthy volunteersQualifiers
Between the ages of 18 and 39 years old
Meet DSM-V criteria for anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa
Between the ages of 18 and 39 years old
Have maintained 85% to 120% ideal body weight since menarche
Disqualifiers
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
Trial 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.
Trial design
Design model
Case-control
Time perspective
Cross-sectional
Treatments tested in this trial
Not listed
Trial groups
78 Participants
are grouped into 3 trial groupsGroup A: Anorexia Nervosa
Group B: Bulimia Nervosa
Group C: Healthy Controls
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Learning rate
Behavioral responses during a card game gambling task
Time frame
25 minutes2
fMRI brain response
fMRI brain activity associated with the card game gambling task
Time frame
25 minutes3
Brain connectivity
Whole-brain functional connectivity associated with the card game gambling task
Time frame
10 minutesSponsors and contacts
Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.
Source ClinicalTrials.gov