Anorexia Nervosa and Its Effects on Brain Function, Body Metabolism and Their Interaction in Adolescents

The aim of the project is to enable new ways to both predict and influence the course of anorexia nervosa. This is a three-year follow-up study in which we investigate the neurological and physiological factors underpinnings of anorexia nervosa with structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In addition to this, a variety of methods is used, such as physiological measurements and questionnaire data, as well as investigation of intestinal microbiota associated with anorexia nervosa. Altogether 100 girls aged 13-17 will be recruited for the study: 50 patients with anorexia nervosa and 50 healthy controls. The participants are monitored annually and the fMRI scan is repeated at the last visit. Additionally, 40 participants (20 patients and 20 healthy controls) will participate in a cardiac sub-study. In this, the participants will also have an MRI scan and ultrasound examination of the heart.

Inclusion criteria

for anorexia nervosa patients:

• Female sex
• Age 13-17 years
• Body mass index < 17.5 kg/m2
• Currently fulfilling modified Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) diagnosis criteria for anorexia nervosa with or without amenorrhea
• Anorexia nervosa diagnosed within 2 yers

Inclusion criteria

for healthy controls:

• Female sex
• Age 13-17 years
• Body mass index 18,5-25 kg/m2
• No lifetime history of obesity (Body mass index ≥ 30) or eating disorders

Exclusion criteria

• Any chronic illness or medication that could affect glucose metabolism or neurotransmission
• Any other current mental disorder (excluding anorexia nervosa for the patient participants)
• Severe previous mental disorder (excluding anorexia nervosa for the patient participants)
• Smoking of tobacco, snuffing, or use of narcotics
• Abusive use of alcohol