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NCT Number: NCT06566612

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

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.

Recruiting

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Key information

Age range

18 year–39 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Observational

Primary location

UCSD Eating Disorders Treatment and Research Program

La Jolla, California, 92121, United States

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Christina E Wierenga, PhD

PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Katherine Gandee, BS

CONTACT

[email protected]

858-534-0371

Sophie R Abber, MS

CONTACT

[email protected]

858-534-0371

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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 Exclusion Criteria for ED Group:

  • If taking other psychotropic medication, any change in dosage in the 2 weeks before scanning

Additional Exclusion Criteria for Healthy Control Group:

  • 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

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

  1. Learning rate

    Time frame: 25 minutes

    Behavioral responses during a card game gambling task

  2. fMRI brain response

    Time frame: 25 minutes

    fMRI brain activity associated with the card game gambling task

  3. Brain connectivity

    Time frame: 10 minutes

    Whole-brain functional connectivity associated with the card game gambling task

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Christina E Wierenga, PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

858-534-8047

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of California, San Diego

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2027
First posted
Aug 22, 2024
Registry last updated
May 1, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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