Understanding the neurobiological basis of anorexia
Participants wanted for study on anxiety and fear of attachment in existing or overcome anorexia
Although they are usually severely underweight, anorexics are very afraid of gaining weight. In addition, anorexia nervosa is often accompanied by fears of close relationships and intimacy. Scientists at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg are currently investigating whether increased anxiety and altered perception of relationships can be detected in brain activity. "We want to better understand the basics of the disease and thus contribute to the further development of therapy concepts in the long term," says study leader PD Dr. Andreas Joos, senior physician at the Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg. The study is looking for test subjects who either currently suffer from anorexia or have successfully overcome the disorder.
The study consists of two appointments: First, the specific disease situation is recorded in an interview. At the second appointment, brain activity is recorded using functional magnetic resonance imaging while the participants carry out various tasks relating to anxiety and attachment. The physicians also take blood samples to determine the stress hormone cortisone and the hormone oxytocin, which is important for bonding behavior. In addition to acutely ill women, those who have overcome the illness are also examined. "We want to use the comparison to understand the extent to which possible changes can be reversed," says Dr. Joos.
The study is being conducted in collaboration with the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg and is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). Women over the age of 18 with existing or overcome anorexia nervosa who are not currently taking psychotropic drugs can take part. The expense allowance is 50 euros. Travel expenses will be reimbursed additionally.
If you are interested in participating in the study, please contact PD Dr. Andreas Joos (andreas.joos@uniklinik-freiburg.de , phone: 0761 270-68710).
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