Neural Correlates of Autistic Individuals With Anorexia Nervosa (NCT07098156) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Neural Correlates of Autistic Individuals With Anorexia Nervosa
United Kingdom50 participantsStarted 2025-07-15
Plain-language summary
Masking is a behaviour or strategy used by many Autistic people to appear non-Autistic and blend in with a neurotypical society. The goal of this observational study is to understand the relationship between masking, anorexia nervosa symptoms and brain structure in Autistic people. The main questions this study aims to answer are:
* Do Autistic individuals with anorexia nervosa show differences in structure or function of the brain relation to Autistic individuals without anorexia nervosa?
* Do Autistic individuals with anorexia nervosa display higher levels of masking than Autistic individuals without anorexia nervosa?
* Are there indeed relationships between levels of masking, anorexia nervosa symptoms and brain structure in Autistic people?
Researchers will compare Autistic people without anorexia nervosa to Autistic people with anorexia nervosa to see if there are differences between groups. Participants will:
* Complete a series of questionnaires focused on eating disorder symptoms, autistic traits, autistic masking and psychological well-being
* Undergo an MRI scan at the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary
Who can participate
Age range
25 Years – 45 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
Healthy Autistic Individuals (Autistic Controls) must:
* Be aged 25-45 years
* Be Autistic (clinically diagnosed and/or have an Autism Quotient (AQ-10) score of ≥6)
* Be able to provide informed consent for the study
* Be able to read, understand and respond to questionnaires in English
* Have no history of an eating disorder
* Willing to have an MRI scan in Aberdeen
Autistic Individuals with anorexia nervosa must:
* Be aged 25-45 years
* Be Autistic (clinically diagnosed and/or have an AQ-10 score of ≥6)
* Be able to provide informed consent to the study
* Be able to read, understand and respond to questionnaires in English
* Have a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa or a body mass index of \<18.5
* Willing to have an MRI scan in Aberdeen
Exclusion Criteria:
Individuals are not eligible for the study if they:
* Are aged \<25 or \>45 years
* Are not Autistic or not clinically diagnosed as Autistic and have an AQ-10 score of \<6
* Are diagnosed with an eating disorder other than anorexia nervosa
* Have a history of brain injury (e.g., stroke)
* Be unable to provide informed consent for the study
* Have contraindications to MRI scanning, such has implantable cardiac devices
* Are unable to read, understand and respond to questionnaires in English
* As participants will need to consent to the study and complete questionnaires by themselves, individuals with intellectual disability will be excluded from this study
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Structural and Functional Brain Differences
Timeframe: From enrolment to single research visit (up to 30 weeks).
2
Levels of Masking
Timeframe: From enrolment to single research visit (up to 30 weeks).
3
Associations Between Masking, Anorexic Symptoms and Brain Structure
Timeframe: From enrolment to single research visit (up to 30 weeks).