Exploring Dynamic Brain Changes in Anorexia Nervosa and Their Relationship to Disorder Characteristics

• Applicant: Dr. Feliberto De la Cruz
• Subject Area: Clinical Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 557556841

Recent advancements in magnetic resonance imaging techniques and methodologies have opened avenues to explore the stable configurations of neuronal connections in the brain, often referred to as functional brain states. These states play a crucial role in integrating, coordinating, and initiating adaptive behaviors in response to various stimuli. While investigation of brain states offers a window into the neurobiological basis of mental disorders, their application in understanding anorexia nervosa remains untapped, creating a significant gap in our knowledge of this disease. This research proposal aims to bridge this gap by investigating dynamic brain changes occurring at different stages of the disease. Our goals include quantifying disrupted dynamics and establishing connections between these brain changes and the symptoms and behaviors characteristic of anorexia nervosa. Through dynamic brain analysis, we aim to uncover system-level disruptions in anorexia nervosa, potentially leading to a better understanding of the disorder and the development of diagnostic or prognostic indicators in the future.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants