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Could zapping the brain help treat anorexia?

NCT ID NCT05368844

Ongoing Symptom relief Sponsor: University of California, San Diego Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called TMS can help people with anorexia nervosa. The treatment targets the insula, a brain region involved in taste and body perception. Forty women aged 18-45 with anorexia will receive either real or sham TMS over 5 days to see if the procedure is feasible and acceptable.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) device
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a new, non-drug treatment for anorexia nervosa that targets brain circuits involved in body perception and eating behaviors.
What could go wrong
This is a very early, small study (40 people) focused on feasibility and acceptability, not on proving effectiveness. It may not lead to a reliable treatment, and individual results may vary.

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.

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

  • University of California San Diego

    San Diego, California, 92121, United States

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