Extrait

Background and study aims Psychological therapies are often not effective for people with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN), so there is a need for new treatments. Research shows that the frontal areas of the brain play an important role in the development and maintenance of these disorders. Stimulating these brain areas to alter their functioning could possibly reduce the symptoms. A technique that is capable of stimulating specific brain areas is called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). This procedure involves the delivery of a low electrical current via small electrodes places on the scalp, and is widely used in research. This study aims to find out the short-term effects of a single session of tDCS in people who suffer from AN or BN. In particular, we are interested in its effects on thought processes and emotions relating to food, eating, weight and body shape. In the long term, this may help us to develop improved treatments for eating disorders. Who can participate? We will be recruiting 36 people with a diagnosis of AN and 36 people with a diagnosis of BN. Participants can be male or female but must be over 18 years old. What does the study involve? Participants will come to the lab for three tDCS sessions with a gap of at least 48 hours between each one. Two of these sessions will be real and one will be a placebo (fake) session. On each day participants will complete a series of questionnaires and computer tasks before and after the stimulation session. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? Although there are no direct benefits associated with taking part in this study, the information we get may help us to improve the treatment of eating disorders in the future. There are no known risks involved in taking part in this study, but participants may find the procedure slightly uncomfortable. Most people report feeling a mild tingling sensation during tDCS. Where is the study run from? The study will take place at the Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, UK. When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? The testing is expected to begin in April 2014 and continue until we have recruited and tested 72 participants (about 2 years). Who is funding the study? The study is being funded by the Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, UK. Who is the main contact? Ms Maria Kekic Email: [email protected] Tel: 02078480183

Critère d'inclusion

• Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa

Liens

• ictrp
• isrctn