Incentive Processing and Learning in Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa (NCT05056597)
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
The purpose of this study is to investigate areas of the brain responsible for 'liking', 'wanting', and learning in adults with eating disorders using brain imaging techniques, computer tasks, a test meal, 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 252 women with an eating disorder (63 AN-restricting type (AN-R), 63 AN-binge eating/purging type (AN-BP), 63 bulimia nervosa (BN)) and 63 healthy controls (HC) aged 18-39. Aim 1: To examine neural differences in 'liking' and 'wanting' in ED relative to HC. Aim 2: To examine differences in instrumental learning for reward and punishment in ED relative to HC. Aim 3: To examine how 'liking' and 'wanting' drive instrumental learning in ED and predict clinical symptoms at baseline and 1 year later. Exploratory Aim: To explore the associations of dopamine function, as measured by neuromelanin MRI (NM-MRI), with ED diagnosis and brain response to 'liking', 'wanting', and learning.
Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.
Location: UCSD Eating Disorders Treatment and Research Program — La Jolla, California
Age range: 18 Years to 39 Years
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistFull eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria ↗
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)
- UCSD Eating Disorders Treatment and Research Program — La Jolla, California
📞 Contact the Study Coordinator
Phone: (858) 534-8047
Email: cwierenga@health.ucsd.edu
Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.
More studies in Anorexia Nervosa
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- Developing an EEG Paradigm to Study Prediction Error in Anorexia Nervosa — San Diego, California
- Identifying Networks Underlying Compulsivity in Anorexia Nervosa for Targeting With Neuromodulation — San Francisco, California
- Investigation of Multi-Family Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa — Chicago, Illinois
- Appetitive Conditioning in Anorexia Nervosa — Toronto, Ontario
- Incorporating Narrative Into the Treatment of Youth With Anorexia Nervosa (Virtual) — San Francisco, California
Explore by condition: All Anorexia Nervosa clinical trials
💡 How to Participate
- Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
- Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
- Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
- Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.