COmpulsivity, Impulsivity and the INternet in Anorexia Nervosa v1.0

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Measurement of compulsivity, impulsivity and online activities in anorexia nervosa and their associations with symptom severity and quality of life

• IRAS ID

  330933

• Contact name

  Jaco Serfontein

• Contact email

  jaco.serfontein@cpft.nhs.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust

• Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier

  https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/XUZHQ, Open Science Framework registration

• Duration of Study in the UK

  1 years, 5 months, 4 days

• Research summary

  This research study looks at anorexia nervosa, compulsivity and impulsivity, and internet usage.

  Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a mental health problem that can involve very low body weight, a fear of gaining weight, and repetitive behaviours to prevent restoring weight. Behaviours can include restricting food intake, exercising too much, vomiting after eating, and using laxatives excessively. AN can become very dangerous for physical health. It can lead to severe complications, and even death, if not treated.
  
  There is growing interest in how compulsivity and impulsivity contribute to a range of mental health problems. Compulsivity relates to carrying out repeated acts in a rigid or habitual way. Impulsivity is a tendency to act in ways that are risky, inappropriate or not thought-through.

  AN has generally been thought of as a “compulsive” illness. However, it is probably not that simple. Both compulsivity and impulsivity relate to feelings of being unable to control behaviour. It may be that some people with AN struggle with high levels of compulsivity and impulsivity. There is evidence that excessive internet use occurs more commonly in people with higher levels of compulsivity and/or impulsivity. Engaging with harmful online content could also affect AN symptoms.
  
  In this study, we will ask inpatients with AN to complete questionnaires and computerised tasks that measure their compulsivity, impulsivity and internet use every 2 months over a 6-month period. We will look at whether levels of compulsivity, impulsivity or internet use change during treatment, and whether they are related to AN symptoms. Understanding this better might help guide treatments for people with eating disorders in future.

• REC name

  North East - York Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  23/NE/0182

• Date of REC Opinion

  16 Nov 2023

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion