Impact of Body Schema Distortion on Remission and Weight Regain in Anorexia Nervosa
This study is exploring why people with anorexia nervosa sometimes struggle so much with their body image, specifically how they feel their body moves and exists in space. Even after treatment, many individuals with anorexia still feel much larger than they are, which can make recovery harder and increase the chance of them becoming ill again. Currently, it's hard for doctors to measure this 'body feeling' accurately. This research aims to develop and test a new tool that can help understand how patients with anorexia perceive their bodies both when they are diagnosed and as they go through treatment. The goal is to find better ways to help people truly recover from anorexia nervosa.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder where people strictly limit what they eat, often for a long time. It affects many young women, but can also affect men. Sadly, while some people get better with treatment, many continue to struggle, and some even pass away due to the illness or related problems.
One big challenge in treating anorexia is that people often don't truly believe they are unwell, or they don't see themselves as too thin. Researchers have found that it's not just about what someone *thinks* their body looks like, but also how they *feel* their body exists and moves in the world. For example, someone might feel much bigger than they actually are, and this feeling can continue even after they start to get better. This can make it very difficult to fully recover and can lead to people becoming ill again.
Because it's hard to accurately measure this 'body feeling,' doctors might not always know if a patient has fully overcome this way of seeing themselves. This study is testing a new way to measure how people with anorexia perceive their bodies. By understanding this better, the researchers hope to develop improved treatments that can help more people make a full and lasting recovery.
Key takeaways
- Study focuses on understanding body perception in anorexia nervosa.
- Aims to improve diagnosis and treatment.
- Participation involves questionnaires and body assessment tools.
- No new medications are being tested.
- Open to women aged 15+ with an anorexia nervosa diagnosis.
- You can withdraw at any time without affecting your care.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for women aged 15 and over who have been diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (meaning their body mass index, or BMI, is below 18.5). You should be willing to take part and, if you're under 18, your parents or guardians would also need to agree for you to participate. You also need to be covered by a UK social security plan.
There are certain reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have certain other serious health conditions like psychotic disorders, epilepsy, or severe balance problems. You also can't take part if you are in another research study that might affect this one, or if you are not fluent in French.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you female and aged 15 or older?
- Have you been diagnosed with anorexia nervosa with a BMI below 18.5?
- Are you willing to participate and sign a consent form (or your parents/guardians if under 18)?
- Are you not currently pregnant or breastfeeding?
- Do you not have other serious psychiatric conditions like delusions or severe confusion?
- Are you fluent in French?
What does participation involve?
This study is focused on assessments rather than a specific treatment. If you qualify, you would take part in several assessments using different tools and questionnaires designed to understand how you see and feel your body. This includes a special 'Body Map Assessment Tool' and a 'Silhouette testing' exercise, where you might be asked to adjust an image to match how you perceive your body. You'll also complete several questionnaires about your eating habits, body image, and mood. The researchers will carry out these assessments both at the start, when you are diagnosed, and during follow-up appointments. The exact number of visits or the total duration isn't specified, but it suggests assessments would happen over a period of time during your treatment.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Referral Center for Eating Disorders. Neurological Hospital-GH East / Hôpital Neurologique Pierre Wertheimer GHE HCLVerified postcodeBron, France· Recruiting
Common questions
What is anorexia nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder where people severely limit their food intake due to an intense fear of gaining weight, often leading them to be very underweight.
What does 'body schema' mean?
It's how your brain understands where your body is in space and how it moves. For some with anorexia, this feeling can be distorted, making them feel much larger than they actually are.
Will I receive new treatment in this study?
This study is about understanding how people perceive their bodies, not about trying a new medication or specific treatment approach. Your current care team will continue to manage your treatment.
How long will I be in the study?
The study involves assessments at diagnosis and during follow-up appointments. The exact total time isn't mentioned, but it will be over a period of your treatment typically.
Can I leave the study at any time?
Yes, you are completely free to withdraw from the study at any point without it affecting your medical care.
How to find out more
Lisa FILIPPONE, Neuropsychologist
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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