Actively Recruiting
Avoidance-driven Decision Making and Learning in Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa
Led by University of California, San Diego · Updated on 2026-05-01
78
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
52 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying the brain areas involved in avoidance learning in adult women aged 18 to 39 with eating disorders, specifically anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, compared to healthy women. They aim to understand behavioral differences in avoidance learning, brain activity changes measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and differences in brain connectivity related to these disorders. The study includes 78 women with eating disorders and 26 healthy controls. Participants are grouped based on diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or no eating disorder. The study uses brain imaging techniques like fMRI, computer tasks to assess learning behaviors, and self-report questionnaires and interviews. Brain responses to avoidance learning and connectivity are measured during sessions lasting 10 to 25 minutes. During the study, participants complete behavioral tasks, undergo fMRI scans to monitor brain activity and connectivity, and provide information through questionnaires and interviews. Researchers will measure learning rates, brain responses, and functional connectivity related to avoidance learning. The study monitors participants' health and eligibility carefully, including weight and medication use, over the study period which starts in August 2024 and continues through July 2027.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Avoidance-driven Decision Making and Learning in Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Between the ages of 18 and 39 years old
- Meet DSM-V criteria for anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa (Eating Disorder Group)
- Have maintained 85% to 120% ideal body weight since menarche (Healthy Control Group)
You will not qualify if you...
- Psychotic illness or other mental illness requiring hospitalization
- Current dependence on drugs or alcohol excluding marijuana
- Positive drug test on scan day (except marijuana)
- Physical conditions affecting eating or weight (e.g., diabetes mellitus, pregnancy)
- Neurological or neurodevelopmental disorders or head injury with over 30 minutes loss of consciousness
- Contraindications for MRI
- Primary obsessive compulsive disorder or major depressive disorder
- Recent changes in psychotropic medication dosage within 2 weeks before scanning (ED Group)
- Current psychiatric disorder diagnosis (Healthy Control Group)
- History of binge eating or purging behaviors (Healthy Control Group)
- Use of psychoactive or mood-affecting medication in last 3 months (Healthy Control Group)
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Approximately 1 to 2 hours in total
Participants undergo assessments including learning rate tasks, fMRI brain response, and brain connectivity scans to evaluate decision making and learning.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Up to study completion date
Participants may be observed over time to understand the progression of decision making and learning patterns.
Additional assessments may occur depending on cohort assignment
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
UCSD Eating Disorders Treatment and Research Program
La Jolla, California, United States, 92121
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
C
Christina E Wierenga, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
3
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