
Pediatric Endocrine-Neuroendocrine-Sports Endocrine Research

Improving Health Through Research
In Conjunction with the Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program (EDCRP) at Massachusetts General Hospital

Study Aim
Our research aims to better define the course of eating disorders in relation to food motivation pathways in the brain. To help us determine how hormones and specific areas of the brain are involved in the symptoms and course of eating disorders, we use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), psychological assessments, and evaluation of hormones in the blood that influence feelings of hunger and fullness.
We will monitor study participants over time, identifying mechanisms that might influence how one person’s eating behaviors change or not, and how this might differ among study participants.
We hope that our research will improve our knowledge of eating disorders in order to provide more informed treatment options. Other girls and women struggling with eating disorders may benefit in the future from what we learn in this study.
This is an 18 month study with 4 study visits. Please click here for an informational video on how to prepare for your research scan.
Study Visits
Total Compensation up to $550
Initial Screening Visit:
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History, Physical Exam, and Bloodwork
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Psychological Assessment
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Hormone Evaluation
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Bone X-ray
Baseline, 9 Month, 18 Month Visits:
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History, Physical, and Bloodwork
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Psychological Assessment
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Hormone Evaluation
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Neuroimaging MRI Scans
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Meal and Snack
Nurse Practitioners:
Meghan Slattery
Elisa Asanza
Co-Investigators:
Thilo Deckersbatch, PhD
Jennifer Thomas, PhD
Franziska Plessow, PhD
Principal Investigators:
Kamryn Eddy, PhD
Elizabeth Lawson, MD
Madhu Misra, MD
(CLOSED)
BRAIN STUDY
Homeostatic and Hedonic Food Motivation Underlying
Eating Disorder Trajectories
A study for 10-22 year old females with eating disorders
No longer accepting volunteers