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

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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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.

Detailed Description
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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.

Official Title
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Anorexia Nervosa and Its Effects on Brain Function, Body Metabolism and Their Interaction in Adolescents

Conditions
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Anorexia Nervosa

Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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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

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 13 Years
Maximum Age: 17 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Female

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Anorexia nervosa patients<br>Anorexia nervosa patients | |
| Healthy normal weight controls<br>Healthy normal weight controls | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Changes in brain reward system and metabolism in anorexia nervosa patients | Anorexia nervosa patients and controls are studied using fMRI imaging and followed up for 3 years. Reward system function is measured using fMRI and metabolism using blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) echo-planar imaging. | 3 years | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Anorexia nervosa, Metabolism, Functional Imaging, Eating disorders