NCT00343928

Amino Acids, Serotonin, and Body Weight Regulation

• Status: Completed
• Phase: Phase 2
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 21 (actual)
• Sponsor: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 18 Years – 40 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study will assess the behavioral effects of an amino acid mixture thought to influence serotonin function in individuals who have recovered from anorexia nervosa.

Detailed description

Anorexia nervosa is a serious psychiatric disorder resulting in psychosocial distress for patients and their families, potentially severe medical consequences, and substantial long-term mortality. A major emphasis in current therapeutic research in anorexia nervosa is exploration of new interventions to stabilize recovery and prevent relapse. Although the etiology of anorexia nervosa is unknown, altered regulation of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the central nervous system is thought to contribute to preoccupation with body shape and weight, dysregulated eating patterns, persistent anxiety, and frequent mood fluctuations. The goal of this exploratory project is to assess the behavioral effects of an amino acid mixture thought to influence serotonin function in individuals who have recovered from anorexia nervosa. It is hypothesized that this brief intervention will help diminish residual eating disorder symptoms. All participants in this crossover study will attend eight sessions over a 9-week period. Participants will spend approximately 2 weeks in each phase, during which they will receive an amino acid mixture and the control condition.

Conditions

• Anorexia Nervosa

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Branched-chain amino acids	Participants will spend approximately 2 weeks in each phase over a 9-week period, during which they will receive an amino acid mixture and the placebo control condition.

Timeline

• Start date: 2006-06-01
• Primary completion: 2008-06-01
• First posted: 2006-06-23
• Last updated: 2017-03-23

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States