Socio-emotional function and comorbidities in anorexia nervosa V1.2.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Socio-emotional function and comorbidities in anorexia nervosa (AN), recovered AN, and healthy controls
IRAS ID
235522
Contact name
Jess Kerr-Gaffney
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Kings College London
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 7 months, 30 days
Research summary
Background: Difficulties in socio-emotional processing are considered to be key in the development and maintenance of anorexia nervosa (AN). Currently, effective treatments for adults with AN are lacking, therefore it is hoped that research in this area may help develop treatments that target specific social and emotional difficulties and improve quality of life for those with AN.
Aims: The study will investigate socio-emotional functioning in anorexia nervosa (AN). Specifically, it will explore how people with AN perceive other's emotions, intentions, and nonverbal communication compared to healthy individuals. In addition, since individuals with AN show higher than average autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) traits and social anxiety, the project will investigate the influence of these traits on socio-emotional functioning.
Participants: Adults with AN (from the community or currently receiving treatment), people recovered from AN, and healthy controls with no psychiatric disorders will be eligible, and testing will take place at patient's place of treatment, or at IoPPN/SLaM.
Methods: A variety of methods will be used, including questionnaires, eye-tracking tasks, and computer tasks.
REC name
London - Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/1960
Date of REC Opinion
12 Dec 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion