Eating Disorders

Clinical Trials to treat

Eating Disorders

Estradiol in Anorexia Nervosa Treatment

Trial Title: Estradiol Patch for Anorexia Nervosa: A Novel Therapeutic Approach

Brief Overview:

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of a 50mcg/day transdermal estradiol patch in treating anorexia nervosa (AN). Building on preliminary evidence suggesting estradiol's role in mood, cognition, bone health, and appetite regulation, this study aims to explore its therapeutic potential in addressing the multifaceted symptoms of AN.

Trial Objective

1. Assess the impact of the transdermal estradiol patch on improving psychological symptoms of AN from baseline to the end of treatment (12 weeks).

2. Evaluate the effectiveness of the estradiol patch in stabilising and increasing body mass from baseline to the end of treatment.

Repurposed Pharmacological Treatments

Trial Title: Repurposed Medications for Anorexia Nervosa: An Innovative Treatment Approach

Brief Overview:

This clinical trial investigates the potential of repurposed medications, including brexpiprazole, memantine and zinc, in treating anorexia nervosa (AN). These medications have already been approved for other conditions, and target neurological networks that have been implicated in the development and maintenance of AN. Recognising the lack of current pharmacological treatment for AN despite the widespread use of medicines in the treatment of most other psychiatric conditions, this study aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of these medications in treating AN.

Trial Objective

1. Evaluate the effectiveness of brexpiprazole, memantine and zinc, in improving psychological symptoms of AN from baseline to end of treatment (12 weeks).

2. Assess the impact of these medications on stabilising and increasing body mass from baseline to end of treatment.

ADHD and Anorexia Nervosa

Trial title: "Stimulating Appetite or Supressing it? - A case series exploring stimulant medications used in people with ADHD and Anorexia Nervosa”

Brief Overview: This study is a case series of 6-people with a current or past history of anorexia nervosa who were started on stimulant medication for the treatment of ADHD.

Trial Objective:

To explore the impact on patients with anorexia nervosa who have been started on stimulant medication for the treatment of ADHD.

Eligibility criteria:

18 years+, living in Australia.
Current or past diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa
Taking or has taken a course of prescribed stimulant medication.

Sodium Butyrate in Anorexia Nervosa Treatment

Trial Title: Exploring Sodium Butyrate for Anorexia Nervosa: A Fresh Approach

Brief Overview:

This study investigates the use of sodium butyrate, a supplement derived from butyric acid, to potentially treat anorexia nervosa (AN). There is growing evidence to suggest that disruptions in gut microbiota may play a role in the development and maintenance of AN. Thus, sodium butyrate, which targets gut inflammation and impacts gene activity, may be a promising treatment.

Trial Objective

1. Evaluate the effectiveness of sodium butyrate in improving psychological symptoms of AN from baseline to end of treatment (12 weeks).

2. Assess the impact of sodium butyrate on stabilising and increasing body mass from baseline to end of treatment.

TMS in Anorexia Nervosa Treatment

Trial Title: Functional Connectivity-informed Individualised Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa (FUNCTIAN) – An Open-Label Proof of Concept Study

Brief Overview

This clinical trial investigates the use of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) in people who have Anorexia Nervosa (AN), to see if it might help improve their symptoms. rTMS is a non-invasive method of brain stimulation that involves the repeated application of magnetic pulses to your head via a ‘coil’. rTMS is an established treatment for depression which has been proven to work in numerous clinical trials. Few studies have looked into rTMS treatment for AN, but results from those have been promising.

Trial Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of rTMS in improving body mass and psychological symptoms of AN from baseline to end of treatment and the durability of these effects at follow-up.