An Open Trial of a Novel Pharmacotherapy for Habit Modification in Anorexia Nervosa (NCT06518941)
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
The purpose of this study is to test the feasibility and tolerability of donepezil in a small group of patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). Study participants will be receiving care at the New York State Psychiatric Institute Eating Disorders Unit. Study medication will be increased from 1 mg per day to a maximum of 5 mg per day for up to 8 weeks. Participants will be closely monitored for side effects by a research psychiatrist every week, in addition to the regular clinical monitoring they receive during inpatient treatment. The study will also include assessments of habit strength to measure any changes in maladaptive eating habits over the course of the treatment.
Who can join: To join this study, participants generally need to meet the listed inclusion criteria (5 items) and avoid the listed exclusions (10 items).
Location: New York State Psychiatric Institute — New York, New York
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistCheck every box below. If you can check all of them, you may meet the study's basic screening requirements (final eligibility is confirmed by the site team).
Usually NOT eligible if any of the following apply:
- Exclusion Criteria:
- Score of High Risk on the Columbia Suicide Severity Scale (C-SSRS).
- Pregnancy (Serum pregnancy test on admission).
- Current diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, bipolar (type I), or substance use disorder (SCID).
- Bradycardia (below 60 bpm) (vital signs measurement by the clinical team)
- Corrected QT interval (QTc) greater than 480 ms at baseline (EKG).
- Antipsychotic medication (antidepressants at a stable dose are allowed) (clinical interview).
- Known allergic reactions to components of the donepezil (e.g., known hypersensitivity to donepezil hydrochloride) (clinical interview).
- History of peptic ulcer disease (clinical interview).
- History of arrhythmia (clinical interview).
🔍 Extracted verbatim from the official NIH eligibility criteria. Always confirm with the study coordinator.
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)
- New York State Psychiatric Institute — New York, New York
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.