Could deep brain stimulation break the grip of severe anorexia?
NCT ID NCT05245643
First seen Jul 22, 2026 · Last updated Jul 23, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial investigates whether deep brain stimulation (DBS) — a surgical technique that uses implanted electrodes to regulate brain activity — can be a safe treatment for people with severe, long-lasting anorexia nervosa that has not responded to other therapies. The study will enroll 12 adults aged 18 to 65 who have had anorexia for at least 7 years and cannot maintain a healthy weight. The main goal is to check for serious side effects; researchers will also see if patients accept this approach and whether it helps with weight and other measures.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- deep brain stimulation of the nucleus accumbens using the Abbott Infinity Deep Brain Stimulation System
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a new treatment option for people with severe, treatment-resistant anorexia nervosa, a condition with no approved therapies.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early safety trial with only 12 participants. Brain surgery carries risks of infection, bleeding, and other serious complications.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
-
Viviane AWASSI
Paris, France
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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