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

Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot listed
Trial typeObservational
Biological sexFemale
Age18-39
SponsorUniversity of California, San Diego

About this trial

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 criteria

Qualifiers

Between the ages of 18 and 39 years old

Meet DSM-V criteria for anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa

Between the ages of 18 and 39 years old

Have maintained 85% to 120% ideal body weight since menarche

Disqualifiers

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

Trial design

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Not listed

Trial groups

78 Participants
are grouped into 3 trial groups