Anorexia Nervosa Research Study
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University are studying the factors of individuals struggling with eating disorders to help them recover.
Fast Facts
Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa
18+ Years Old
Up to $500 + bonuses
Willing to Travel to Richmond, VA
Study Background
Help us learn more about decision-making processes in people who have symptoms of anorexia nervosa (e.g., restrictive eating, weight loss, fear of weight gain).
Many people with psychiatric disorders struggle to change their behaviors. For example, people with symptoms of anorexia nervosa often engage in behaviors that cause them to lose weight or avoid gaining weight even when this might put their health at risk.
The purpose of this study is to identify the biological and behavioral decision-making processes that may be different between people with symptoms of anorexia nervosa and people who have never had anorexia nervosa. Researchers want to determine if these decision-making processes may keep people with symptoms of anorexia nervosa stuck engaging in harmful behaviors.
Study Background
Help us learn more about decision-making processes with anorexia nervosa.
Many people with psychiatric disorders struggle to change their behaviors. For example, people with symptoms of anorexia nervosa often engage in behaviors that cause them to lose weight or avoid gaining weight even when this might put their health at risk.
The purpose of this study is to identify the biological and behavioral decision-making processes that may be different between people with symptoms of anorexia nervosa and people who have never had anorexia nervosa, and to determine if these decision-making processes may keep people with symptoms of anorexia nervosa stuck engaging in harmful behaviors.
Additional Information
The goal of the study is to understand how decision-making and its underlying brain function may be different between people with symptoms of anorexia nervosa and people who have never had anorexia nervosa.
You may qualify for a study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- 18+ years old
- Experience symptoms of anorexia nervosa (e.g., restrictive eating, weight loss, fear of weight gain)
- Not currently pregnant
- Able to complete MRI scan (no metal in the body, no claustrophobia, no history of neurological disorder/injury)
Participants in this study will complete 3 study visits over a year.
- Visit 1: Complete questionnaires and interviews about demographic information, mental health, and behavioral habits
- Medical screening: Collect vitals and complete a blood draw
- Visit 2: Complete an fMRI brain scanning visit and two weeks of mobile phone surveys
- Visit 3: Complete follow-up interviews and questionnaires about mental health and behavioral habits and two additional weeks of mobile phone surveys
As a participant, you can receive up to $500 for completing the study, plus up to $75 in potential bonuses (for tasks and surveys).
Travel compensation is available for participants outside of Richmond, VA.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study. Some aspects of the study can be conducted remotely and reimbursement may be available for some travel costs.
