Incentive Processing 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 '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.

Eligibility criteria

Qualifiers

Between the ages of 18 and 39 years old

Meet DSM-V criteria for AN-R, AN-BP, or BN

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

252 Participants
are grouped into 4 trial groups