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Recruiting NCT06566612

NCT06566612 Avoidance-driven Decision Making and Learning in Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa

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Clinical Trial Summary
NCT ID NCT06566612
Status Recruiting
Phase
Sponsor University of California, San Diego
Condition Bulimia Nervosa
Study Type OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment 78 participants
Start Date 2024-08-01
Primary Completion 2026-07-31

Eligibility & Interventions

Sex Female only
Min Age 18 Years
Max Age 39 Years
Study Type OBSERVATIONAL

Eligibility Fast-Check

Enter your details for a quick preliminary check. This does not replace medical advice.

What to Expect as a Participant

This is an observational study. You will not receive an experimental treatment; researchers will collect data based on your existing condition or standard treatment.

This trial targets 78 participants in total. It began in 2024-08-01 with a primary completion date of 2026-07-31.

⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.

Brief 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 Criteria

Inclusion Criteria: 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 Criteria: * 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 Additional Exclusion Criteria for ED Group: * If taking other psychotropic medication, any change in dosage in the 2 weeks before scanning Additional Exclusion Criteria for Healthy Control Group: * 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

Contact & Investigator

Central Contact

Christina E Wierenga, PhD

✉ cwierenga@health.ucsd.edu

📞 858-534-8047

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join the NCT06566612 clinical trial?

This trial is open to female participants only, aged 18 Years or older, up to 39 Years, studying Bulimia Nervosa. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.

Is NCT06566612 currently recruiting?

Yes, NCT06566612 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at cwierenga@health.ucsd.edu for enrollment information.

Where is the NCT06566612 trial being conducted?

This trial is being conducted at La Jolla, United States.

Who is sponsoring the NCT06566612 clinical trial?

NCT06566612 is sponsored by University of California, San Diego. The trial plans to enroll 78 participants.

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ClinicalMetric — Independent clinical trial intelligence platform. Not affiliated with NIH, ClinicalTrials.gov, the U.S. FDA, or any pharmaceutical company, hospital, or clinical research organization. Trial data is sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Do not make any treatment, enrollment, or health decisions based solely on information found here — always consult a qualified healthcare professional. Full Disclaimer  ·  Last Reviewed: July 2026  ·  Data Methodology