Anorexia Nervosa and Its Effects on Brain Function, Body Metabolism and Their Interaction in Adolescents (AVAIN_JR)

Turku University Hospital (TYKS)

Status

Active, not recruiting

Conditions

Anorexia Nervosa

Study type

Observational

Funder types

Other

Identifiers

NCT05357053

T163_2021

Details and patient eligibility

About

The aim of the research project is to investigate the neurological, physiological and behavioral underpinnings associated with the development of anorexia nervosa in adolescents. The goal of the project is to enable new ways to both predict the course of the disease and to influence this process.

Full description

The aim of the project is to enable new ways to both predict and influence the course of anorexia nervosa. This is a three-year follow-up study in which we investigate the neurological and physiological factors underpinnings of anorexia nervosa with structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In addition to this, a variety of methods is used, such as physiological measurements and questionnaire data, as well as investigation of intestinal microbiota associated with anorexia nervosa. Altogether 100 girls aged 13-17 will be recruited for the study: 50 patients with anorexia nervosa and 50 healthy controls. The participants are monitored annually and the fMRI scan is repeated at the last visit. Additionally, 40 participants (20 patients and 20 healthy controls) will participate in a cardiac sub-study. In this, the participants will also have an MRI scan and ultrasound examination of the heart.

Enrollment

33 patients

Sex

Female

Ages

13 to 17 years old

Volunteers

No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria for anorexia nervosa patients:

Female sex
Age 13-17 years
Body mass index < 17.5 kg/m2
Currently fulfilling modified Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) diagnosis criteria for anorexia nervosa with or without amenorrhea
Anorexia nervosa diagnosed within 2 yers

Inclusion criteria for healthy controls:

Female sex
Age 13-17 years
Body mass index 18,5-25 kg/m2
No lifetime history of obesity (Body mass index ≥ 30) or eating disorders

Exclusion criteria:

Any chronic illness or medication that could affect glucose metabolism or neurotransmission
Any other current mental disorder (excluding anorexia nervosa for the patient participants)
Severe previous mental disorder (excluding anorexia nervosa for the patient participants)
Smoking of tobacco, snuffing, or use of narcotics
Abusive use of alcohol