Investigating the Cause and maintenance of Anorexia Nervosa (The I-CAN Study)

About this study

This study is investigating the biological and environmental (‘neurobiopsychosocial’) factors involved in anorexia nervosa. The research aims to gain a better understanding of the factors involved in anorexia nervosa to help prevent the condition, and to aid the development of more effective treatments. The study will involve two in-person sessions at Swinburne University, Hawthorn.

Research TeamDr Andrea Phillipou (Principal Investigator)
InstitutionSwinburne University of Technology
Ethics Approval NumberProject ID Number: 55404 St Vincent’s HREC Reference: HREC117/19
Funding SourceNHMRC
Project Start Date1 January 2020
Project End Date22 December 2023
ParticipantsWe are looking for females aged 18 years or older who identify with one of the following groups:
- Are someone who has had a lifetime (current or past) diagnosis of anorexia nervosa
- Are the sister of someone who has had a lifetime diagnosis of anorexia nervosa
- Are someone who has no lifetime history of any mental health disorder diagnoses
What is InvolvedParticipation in the study involves attending two in-person sessions (approximately ~3-4 hours duration each) at Swinburne University of Technology (Hawthorn, VIC). The first session will involve a clinical interview, questionnaires, and eye-tracking tasks completed using a special camera and a computer. The second session involves some pencil-and-paper tests and computer tests. You will also be invited to have an MRI scan of your brain, provide blood samples, and provide a gut microbiome sample (optional). We will also ask you to complete some tasks at home between the two sessions. You will be reimbursed a total of $120 in cash for completing the study.

For further information, please contact Dr Amy Malcolm at amalcolm@swin.edu.au.
LocationSwinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC
Contact Details

Dr Amy Malcolm (amalcolm@swin.edu.au)

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