Can a brain zapping helmet help treat anorexia?
NCT ID NCT06624150
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This small, completed study tested whether a gentle brain stimulation technique called tDCS, combined with computer-based cognitive training, is safe and tolerable for adults with anorexia or atypical anorexia. One participant received either real or fake stimulation over 10 sessions. The goal was to see if people would stick with the treatment and if it might improve thinking flexibility. Because only one person took part, the results are very preliminary.
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) via StarStim device
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this approach could point toward a new way to improve cognitive flexibility in people with anorexia, potentially making standard treatments more effective.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early, tiny study (only 1 participant) focused on feasibility, not on proving the treatment works. Results may not apply to others, and the real benefit remains unknown.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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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
Locations
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55414, United States
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