RecruitingNCT06566612

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

Sponsor

University of California, San Diego

Enrollment

78 participants

Start Date

Aug 1, 2024

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Conditions

Anorexia Nervosa Bulimia Nervosa

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.

Eligibility

Sex: FEMALEMin Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 39 Years

Inclusion Criteria6

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 Criteria10

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