Could a gentle brain zap improve social skills in anorexia?

NCT ID NCT06286930

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This pilot study tests whether a gentle electrical current applied to the back of the brain (cerebellum) can improve social behaviors and mental flexibility in 15 women and girls aged 15-30 with anorexia nervosa. Participants receive two types of stimulation (anodal and cathodal) during brain scans and social games. The goal is to see if this approach can help reduce rigid thinking and improve social connections.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) device
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new way to help people with anorexia nervosa by improving social thinking and flexibility, making other treatments more effective.
What could go wrong: This is a very small pilot study with only 15 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. It is early-stage research, and the benefits are uncertain.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anorexia nervosa

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ANOREXIA NERVOSA

Contacts and locations

Locations

UT Southwestern Multispecialty Psychiatry Clinic
RECRUITING

Dallas, Texas, 75247, United States

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