RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

REward SYSTem in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Addictive Disorder

Researchers are conducting a study to better understand the brain's 'reward system' in people with autism spectrum disorder and those who experience food addiction. The study aims to discover if there are common patterns in how this system works, or doesn’t work, in both conditions. We will compare brain activity in people with autism, people with food addiction, and healthy volunteers. To do this, we use special medical scans called MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and EEG (Electroencephalography). By looking at these brain networks, we hope to gain new insights into what causes these conditions and potentially find new ways to help people in the future. Your participation could help us learn more about the brain and these important health issues.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospital, Tours

Enrolment target

Start

27 Jul 2023

Estimated completion

27 Jan 2027

Autism Spectrum Disorder

What is this study about?

This study is designed to explore how the brain's "reward system" functions in different people. You might wonder what a reward system is – it's basically the part of our brain that makes us feel good when we do things like eat tasty food, spend time with friends, or achieve a goal. This system plays a big role in our motivations and learning.

Researchers believe that problems with this reward system might be involved in both autism spectrum disorder and certain types of addiction, like food addiction. We want to see if there are similar brain patterns or difficulties in how this system works in people who have autism and those who have food addiction. By comparing these groups to healthy volunteers, we can better understand any differences.

To look at the brain, we use two safe and common scanning techniques: MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and EEG (Electroencephalography). MRI uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of your brain, while EEG measures electrical activity in your brain through small sensors placed on your scalp. By using these tools, we hope to find out more about the 'wiring' and activity of the brain's reward system in these conditions. This deeper understanding could eventually lead to better ways to support people with autism and food addiction.

Key takeaways

This study explores how the brain's reward system works.
It compares people with autism, food addiction, and healthy volunteers.
We use safe brain scans (MRI and EEG) to gather information.
The goal is to better understand these conditions.
You won't be given any new medication as part of this study.
Your participation could help advance research into the brain.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult, at least 18 years old. We are looking for three main groups of people: adults with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, adults who have been diagnosed with food addiction, and healthy adults who do not have any known brain or mental health conditions.

Everyone taking part also needs to be able to understand and follow instructions, have an IQ over 70 (meaning no intellectual delay), and be willing to give their clear permission to participate. It's important that you don't have certain other health issues, such as problems with movement, uncorrected vision problems that would affect an MRI, or epilepsy. We also can't include people with current drug or alcohol problems that are causing significant distress.

There are also some safety checks for MRI scans; for example, if you have metal implants in your body or certain other medical devices, you wouldn't be able to have an MRI. For women who could become pregnant, we would need a negative pregnancy test first.

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 18 years old or older?
Do you have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, or food addiction, or are you generally healthy?
Do you not have any significant movement problems or uncorrected severe vision issues?
Are you able to undergo an MRI scan (e.g., no incompatible metal implants)?
Are you able to understand and follow instructions for the study activities?
For women, would you be willing to have a pregnancy test if required?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you would undergo special brain scans. This includes an MRI scan, which involves lying down in a large machine that takes pictures of your brain, and an EEG scan, where small sensors are placed on your head to measure brain activity. You might also be asked to do some simple tasks during these scans or answer questions. The research team will explain everything to you in detail before you start. The total duration of your involvement, including all scans and tasks, would be discussed with you by the research team. This study does not involve taking any new medication; it focuses solely on understanding brain activity.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer you the benefit of contributing to our understanding of autism and food addiction, which could help future research and treatment. You might also find it interesting to learn more about brain research. The scans (MRI, EEG) are generally safe, but like any medical procedure, there are minor risks. For example, some people find MRI scanners noisy or feel a bit claustrophobic, though staff will be there to support you. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (3)

Center-Val de Loire Region Autism Resource Center
Verified postcode
Tours, France· Recruiting
University Addictology Service, Liaison Team and Addictology Care
Verified postcode
Tours, France· Recruiting
University Hospital, Medical Imaging Service
Verified postcode
Tours, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is the 'reward system'?

It's the part of your brain that makes you feel good and motivates you to do things you enjoy, like eating or spending time with friends.

What are MRI and EEG scans?

MRI uses magnets and radio waves to take detailed pictures of your brain, while EEG measures the electrical activity happening in your brain.

Will I have to take any medication in this study?

No, this study does not involve taking any new medication. It's focused on understanding brain activity through scans.

How long will I need to participate?

The research team will tell you the exact amount of time, but it will involve attending appointments for brain scans and potentially some tasks.

Can I leave the study at any time?

Yes, you are free to withdraw from the study at any point, and you don't need to give a reason.

How to find out more

Frédéric BRIEND, PhD

frederic.briend@univ-tours.fr +33247478519 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.