The aim of the project is to enable new ways to both predict and influence the course of anorexia nervosa. This is a three-year follow-up study in which we investigate the neurological and physiological factors underpinnings of anorexia nervosa with structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In addition to this, a variety of methods is used, such as physiological measurements and questionnaire data, as well as investigation of intestinal microbiota associated with anorexia nervosa. Altogether 100 girls aged 13-17 will be recruited for the study: 50 patients with anorexia nervosa and 50 healthy controls. The participants are monitored annually and the fMRI scan is repeated at the last visit. Additionally, 40 participants (20 patients and 20 healthy controls) will participate in a cardiac sub-study. In this, the participants will also have an MRI scan and ultrasound examination of the heart.
The aim of the research project is to investigate the neurological, physiological and behavioral underpinnings associated with the development of anorexia nervosa in adolescents. The goal of the project is to enable new ways to both predict the course of the disease and to influence this process.