RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Neural Correlates of Autistic Individuals With Anorexia Nervosa

This study is investigating a link between autism, anorexia nervosa, and a behaviour called 'masking'. Masking is when autistic people try to hide their autistic traits to fit in, which can be very tiring. Researchers want to see if autistic people with anorexia nervosa have different brain structures compared to autistic people without anorexia nervosa. They also want to find out if autistic people with anorexia nervosa tend to mask more. Understanding these connections could help us learn more about both conditions and how they affect the brain. Participants will answer questions about their health and feelings, and have a special brain scan called an MRI.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Aberdeen

Enrolment target

Start

15 Jul 2025

Estimated completion

31 Jul 2026

Autism Anorexia Nervosa

What is this study about?

This research study is trying to understand the connections between autism, anorexia nervosa (a serious eating disorder), and a common behaviour among autistic people called 'masking'. Masking is like putting on an act to hide autistic traits. Autistic people might do this to fit in with others who aren't autistic. Researchers believe that masking can be very stressful and might affect mental health. They are particularly interested in whether masking could be linked to developing anorexia nervosa in autistic individuals.

We already know that many autistic people show signs of anorexia nervosa, and some research suggests that the brains of people with anorexia nerva and autistic people can have similar features. This study wants to explore these links further by looking at how masking, anorexia symptoms, and brain structure might be connected in autistic people.

Essentially, the study aims to answer a few key questions: Do autistic people with anorexia nervosa have different brain structures compared to autistic people who don't have anorexia nervosa? Do autistic people with anorexia nervosa tend to mask their autistic traits more often? And are these all connected – masking, anorexia, and brain structure? By answering these, researchers hope to get a clearer picture of how these conditions interplay.

Key takeaways

This study explores links between autism, anorexia nervosa, and 'masking'.
It aims to see if brain structure differs in autistic people with anorexia.
Participation involves questionnaires and a brain MRI scan.
You must be an autistic adult aged 25-45.
Your involvement could help future understanding of these conditions.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for two groups of people: autistic adults who have anorexia nervosa, and autistic adults who do not have an eating disorder. Both groups need to be between 25 and 45 years old.

You need to have a confirmed diagnosis of autism, or have a high score on a common autism questionnaire (AQ-10 score of 6 or more). You must be able to understand and answer questionnaires in English on your own. It's also important that you're willing to have an MRI brain scan in Aberdeen.

You cannot take part if you are younger than 25 or older than 45. If you have an eating disorder other than anorexia nervosa, or have had a brain injury like a stroke, you won't be able to join. Also, if you have any metal implants in your body that would make an MRI scan unsafe, or if you find it difficult to understand information and answer questions by yourself, this study might not be suitable for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 25 and 45 years old?
Do you have a diagnosis of autism?
Can you read and understand English well enough to complete questionnaires on your own?
Are you willing and able to travel to Aberdeen for an MRI scan?
For one group: Do you have a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa?
For the other group: Do you have no history of an eating disorder?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will have one visit to our research centre in Aberdeen. During this visit, you'll be asked to fill out several questionnaires. These questions will cover topics like eating habits, autistic traits, how much you might 'mask' your autism, and your general well-being. After the questionnaires, you will have a special brain scan called an MRI at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. An MRI is a safe scan that uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of your brain. There are no medications involved in this study, and no follow-up visits are needed after your single research visit. The whole process, including questionnaires and the scan, will be completed within that one visit.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help us learn more about the link between autism and anorexia nervosa, which may improve how we understand and support people in the future. There aren't many direct benefits to you as an individual, but your contribution is valuable to science. The main risks involve the MRI scan, which is generally very safe, but some people might feel a bit uncomfortable or claustrophobic in the scanner; you will be monitored closely. Filling out questionnaires about sensitive topics might also bring up some emotions. Remember, you can stop taking part in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Lilian Sutton Building
Verified postcode
Aberdeen, United Kingdom· Recruiting
NHS Grampian Eating Disorder Services
Verified postcode
Aberdeen, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'masking'?

Masking means hiding or changing your autistic traits to appear less autistic and fit in with others.

What is an MRI scan?

An MRI scan uses strong magnets and radio waves to take detailed pictures of your brain, it doesn't use X-rays.

Will I get results from my brain scan?

No, the MRI scan is for research purposes to understand patterns in groups, not for individual diagnosis or results.

Do I have to travel to Aberdeen?

Yes, all participants need to be willing to travel to Aberdeen for the MRI scan and to complete questionnaires.

Is this study offering treatment for anorexia nervosa?

No, this is a research study to understand conditions, not a treatment programme.

How to find out more

Michelle Sader, PhD

michelle.sader3@abdn.ac.uk +441224438365 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.