Research Recruitment

These studies are actively recruiting!

TMS Treatment Study

Participate to receive novel anorexia treatment at no cost.

rTMS (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation) involves non-invasive brain stimulation, and has been used to effectively treat other disorders like depression and OCD.  Research suggests that OCD and anorexia share similar underlying neural mechanisms and thinking patterns. Since TMS is FDA approved for the treatment of OCD, we are investigating the treatment of anorexia nervosa using TMS. This research is to help UCSF develop better ways to treat people with anorexia.

We are recruiting people with anorexia between the ages of 16-75.

Participants will:

  • Receive five rTMS treatments per day for ten days at UCSF Mission Bay.
  • Receive 1 fMRI before and 1 fMRI after treatment.

BrainEx Study

We are trying to learn if anorexia is linked to changes in the brain that impact decision-making. By studying young people with and without anorexia, we can learn more about decision-making and brain activity. This could lead to better treatments for people with anorexia.

 We are recruiting teens (ages 14-18) with anorexia nervosa OR with no history of an eating disorder or current psychiatric disorder to participate in a neuroimaging study.

Participants will attend either two in-person study visits at UCSF Mission Bay. 

During your visits, you will:

  • Have a short interview with the study team.
  • Complete computer tasks and other questionnaires.
  • Undergo an MRI scan (painless brain scan).

You can receive a $300 gift card for taking part in the study.

Note: Updated QR code as of July 2025!

UCSF BrainEx Study recruiting teens ages 14–18. Goal: understand how anorexia nervosa may relate to the brain and decision-making. Participants receive a $300 gift card. You do not need to have anorexia to join. Study includes two visits to UCSF Mission Bay, an interview, computer tasks, questionnaires, and a painless MRI. QR code and contact: Sasha Gorrell, PhD, (415) 502-2716

Hellman Study

The goal of this study is to better understand muscle health and decision making in patients with anorexia nervosa.

We are recruiting female participants (ages 12-18) who have been hospitalized for medical complications related to anorexia nervosa at UCSF Mission Bay.

Participants will be asked to complete two sessions: 

1 In-patient Study Visit:

  • Complete computer tasks and questionnaires.
  • Participate in a brief muscle test (guided by muscle team).
  • Agree to provide blood from a standard-of-care draw.

3 Month Follow-Up over Zoom:

  • Complete the same computer tasks and questionnaires at home!

Participants can earn up to a $225 gift card for participating!