rTMS for Anorexia Nervosa
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to determine its effects on food choices and brain activity in individuals with anorexia nervosa. rTMS is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate brain nerve cells. The trial includes two groups: one receiving real rTMS and another receiving a sham (fake) version for comparison. Right-handed women who speak English and have been diagnosed with anorexia nervosa while being medically stable may be eligible to participate. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research that could lead to new treatment options for anorexia nervosa.
Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop your current medications, but you cannot participate if you are taking medication that significantly increases the risk for seizures or affects the study's findings.
What prior data suggests that high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation is safe for treating anorexia nervosa?
Research has shown that high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-rTMS) is generally safe for treating anorexia nervosa. Studies have found that patients usually tolerate it well. Most people experience only minor and temporary side effects, such as mild headaches or discomfort at the treatment site, but these effects typically do not last long.
Overall, HF-rTMS appears to be a promising treatment option with a good safety record for people with anorexia nervosa.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about using high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-rTMS) for anorexia nervosa because it offers a novel approach by targeting specific brain regions linked to the condition. Unlike traditional treatments, which often involve therapy and medications like antidepressants, HF-rTMS directly stimulates the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) to potentially improve connectivity with the dorsal striatum. This targeted approach may lead to more effective results. Additionally, HF-rTMS is non-invasive and could provide an alternative for patients who have not responded well to existing treatments. The possibility of a new, brain-focused method gives hope for better outcomes in managing anorexia nervosa.
What evidence suggests that high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation could be effective for anorexia nervosa?
Research has shown that high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-rTMS), a treatment participants in this trial may receive, can help people with anorexia nervosa. Studies have found that it can improve body mass index (BMI) and key symptoms of the disorder. One study linked HF-rTMS on a specific part of the brain to reduced consumption of fatty food. Overall, 32 studies reported that rTMS can improve mood and symptoms of eating disorders in people with anorexia nervosa. These findings suggest that HF-rTMS could be a promising treatment option for this condition.14567
Who Is on the Research Team?
Alexandra F Muratore, PhD
Principal Investigator
New York Sate Psychiatric Institute
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for right-handed women aged 18-30 with a diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa according to DSM-5, having a BMI of at least 16.0. Participants must be voluntarily admitted to an inpatient eating disorders unit, medically stable, competent to consent, and English-speaking.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-rTMS) or sham rTMS to the DLPFC
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- High-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (active rTMS)
- Sham repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (sham rTMS)
Trial Overview
The study tests the effects of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on food choice behavior compared to sham rTMS which mimics the procedure without active treatment.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Placebo Group
Target: Region of right DLPFC with greatest resting-state functional connectivity to dorsal striatum (individualized functional target) Protocol: 10 pulses/sec, 4s trains, 120% MT, 3000 pulses/session
Target: Region of right DLPFC with greatest resting-state functional connectivity to dorsal striatum (individualized functional target) Protocol: same as HF-rTMS, with sham coil
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
New York State Psychiatric Institute
Lead Sponsor
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Collaborator
Global Foundation for Eating Disorders
Collaborator
National Eating Disorders Association
Collaborator
Citations
Efficacy of transcranial magnetic stimulation in anorexia nervosa
TMS represents an effective therapy for patients with AN, leading to improvements in both BMI and core symptoms of AN, with minor and transient side effects.
A pilot study exploring the effect of repetitive transcranial ...
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a novel treatment option for people with severe enduring anorexia nervosa (SE-AN).
Use of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic ...
Findings suggest that HF-rTMS to the right DLPFC was associated with a reduction of fat avoidance on a food choice task among inpatients with AN.
rTMS Therapy for Eating Disorders: Scoping Review ...
Thirty-two studies were included. Benefits of rTMS on mood or eating disorder symptoms were reported for patients with anorexia nervosa.
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Strategies in ...
Findings indicated that rTMS is safe for patients with anorexia nervosa and well tolerated, but large randomized controlled trials comparing ...
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation of the ...
Are voluntary and competent to consent to treatment. Have met DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia Nervosa, over the last 6 months at ...
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in the ...
In this review, some studies showed relatively positive results with safe outcomes and with reduction of both craving and eating behaviors with active ...
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