Research study: Are you a mother who has had an eating disorder?

I believe strongly in the importance of research and I have great hopes for the future when families are better prepared and able to act when it comes to eating disorders.

Researchers in the UK are looking for mothers who have suffered in the past (or currently) with an eating disorder who have a healthy daughter between 11 and 15. Travel costs are covered if you decide to participate.

If this describes you, please consider joining the study being conducted by the UCL Institute of Child Health? Research is so important in understanding and better treating eating disorders. If we could learn more about those at risk before they become ill it could lead to advances in treatment and even prevention.

BREDS (Brain in high risk for eating disorders study) 

We are currently recruiting mothers who have had an eating disorder in the past or have one now, and who have a healthy daughter between the ages of 11 and 15. 

Research has started to study whether the way someone thinks and brain characteristics are linked to the development of an eating disorder, however, we still don’t know if this differences were there before the eating disorder; or if they are a consequence of the disorder. 

We are currently recruiting for a study to understand why young people develop an eating disorder. The purpose of this study is to look at the brain structure and the way of thinking of healthy adolescents who have a first degree relative with an eating disorder. This study will help us figure out if these healthy adolescents have a similar way of thinking and brain characteristics to those shown in patients with eating disorders. If this is the case we might be able to understand what brain characteristics increase the risk for eating disorders. 

What’s involved? - Computerised brain games and IQ test- Questionnaires- Saliva sample Inclusion criteria - One half-hour MRI scan

You are eligible to take part if you:- Have a healthy daughter between the ages of 11 and 15.- Have had an eating disorder at any point in the past, or have one currently this could include Anorexia Nerovsa (AN), Bulimia Nervosa (BN), Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS), or Binge Eating Disorder  

We are also recruiting control participants who have never had any mental health disorder and have a healthy daughter between the ages of 11 and 15. 

Compensation You will be reimbursed for travel costs and your daughter will receive a £20 voucher as a token of our appreciation. 

Contact - Tel: 02079052166   - m.martinez-barona@ucl.ac.uk

The study was approved by UCL Ethics Committee (5487/001) and Dr Micali is the principal investigator.

Click here for more details.