Current Research Studies in Anorexia Nervosa


A Brain Imaging Study of Anorexia Nervosa
This study is looking at brain activity in response to watching pictures of faces and foods. Patients will participate in an MRI scan and a standardized meal. During the MRI you will see pictures of faces and foods and will be asked to identify parts of the pictures by pressing a button. The study procedures will take place at two time points, before and after normalizing weight. For more information, please contact Lindsay Bodell at 212-543-6811.


Exposure Therapy with Cycloserine (Inpatient Study)
Cycloserine, an FDA-approved medication originally used as an antibiotic, has been shown to improve the learning of exposure therapy in people with height phobia, social phobia, and obsessive compulsive disorder. We are currently conducting a study that aims to determine the effectiveness of the medication D-cycloserine in combination with exposure therapy following initial treatment for anorexia nervosa.
For more information, please contact Laura Berner at 212-543-5316 or Blake Finkelson at 212-543-5739.


Exposure Therapy for Relapse Prevention (Outpatient Study)
This pilot study is a new application of Exposure Therapy, a type of psychotherapy commonly used to treat anxiety disorders and phobias. Our study aims to test how effective a manualized exposure therapy is at preventing relapse for patients with AN who have completed weight restoration treatment on our inpatient unit. . For more information, please contact Blake Finkelson at 212-543-5739 or Laura Berner at 212-543-5316.


Neurocognition in Anorexia Nervosa
This study is examining behaviors that appear to be habit-like in anorexia nervosa. Participants are asked to complete a series of games and puzzles, including activities that involve computers and blocks. For more information, please contact Blake Finkelson at 212-543-5739 or Laura Berner at 212-543-5316.


Exercise in Anorexia Nervosa
This study is looking at the importance and level of physical activity in inpatients with anorexia nervosa. The study procedures will take place at two time points, before and after normalizing weight. For more information, please contact Lindsay Bodell at 212-543-6811 or Blake Finkelson at 212-543-5739.


Brain Imaging Study for Recovered Subjects
In this study we take two different types of pictures of your brain (a PET scan and an MRI) in order to examine a brain system called the serotonin system in people who have recovered from anorexia nervosa. This is a non-treatment study. Subjects will earn up to $250 for their participation. For more information, please contact Lindsay Bodell at 212-543-6811.