Incentive Processing and Learning in Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa

Description

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.

Conditions

Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa

Talk to us

Study Overview

On this page

Study Details

Study overview

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.

Incentive Processing and Learning in Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa

Incentive Processing and Learning in Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa

Condition
Anorexia Nervosa
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

La Jolla

UCSD Eating Disorders Treatment and Research Program, La Jolla, California, United States, 92121

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * 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
  • * 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
  • * 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

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 39 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

FEMALE

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Collaborators and Investigators

University of California, San Diego,

Study Record Dates

2027-01