What does this research mean for the field?

Active transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) does not produce significantly greater short-term reduction in eating disorder symptoms compared to sham stimulation in hospitalized patients with anorexia nervosa. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To evaluate the efficacy of adjunctive transcranial direct current stimulation on eating disorder symptoms, psychological measures, and biomarkers in hospitalized patients with anorexia nervosa.

September 5, 2026Journal of Clinical MedicineOpen Access

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Anorexia Nervosa: A Randomized Sham-Controlled Trial

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Authors

ZRZuzanna Rząd JRJoanna Róg NKNatalia Kajka

Discussion

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Overview

Randomized double-blind trial finds transcranial direct current stimulation does not enhance short-term recovery in anorexia nervosa inpatients, suggesting limited immediate clinical benefit.

Key Points

To evaluate the efficacy of adjunctive transcranial direct current stimulation on eating disorder symptoms, psychological measures, and biomarkers in hospitalized patients with anorexia nervosa.
Double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial allocating 40 female inpatients with anorexia nervosa (1:1) to active transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) or sham stimulation.
Participants received 30 sessions over 3 weeks (2 mA, 25 minutes, twice daily on weekdays; anode F3, cathode F4) alongside standard inpatient treatment.
Outcomes were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and at a 2-week follow-up for eating disorder symptoms (EAT-26), depression, stress, body mass index, and biomarkers including leptin and NT-3.
Eating disorder symptoms (EAT-26) decreased significantly from baseline to post-intervention across both groups, but remained significantly lower than baseline only in the active tDCS group at the 2-week follow-up.
Body mass index and leptin levels increased significantly in both groups, whereas neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) levels decreased exclusively in the active stimulation group.
Active tDCS did not demonstrate a statistically significant advantage over sham stimulation for short-term symptom reduction, although perceived stress predicted symptom improvement specifically in the active group.

Cite This Study

Rząd et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a9bd4046b95aff0620eb421 https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15176831

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September 5, 2026Journal of Clinical MedicineOpen Access

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Anorexia Nervosa: A Randomized Sham-Controlled Trial

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Authors

ZRZuzanna Rząd JRJoanna Róg NKNatalia Kajka

Discussion

Member takes

Overview

Randomized double-blind trial finds transcranial direct current stimulation does not enhance short-term recovery in anorexia nervosa inpatients, suggesting limited immediate clinical benefit.

Key Points

To evaluate the efficacy of adjunctive transcranial direct current stimulation on eating disorder symptoms, psychological measures, and biomarkers in hospitalized patients with anorexia nervosa.
Double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial allocating 40 female inpatients with anorexia nervosa (1:1) to active transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) or sham stimulation.
Participants received 30 sessions over 3 weeks (2 mA, 25 minutes, twice daily on weekdays; anode F3, cathode F4) alongside standard inpatient treatment.
Outcomes were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and at a 2-week follow-up for eating disorder symptoms (EAT-26), depression, stress, body mass index, and biomarkers including leptin and NT-3.
Eating disorder symptoms (EAT-26) decreased significantly from baseline to post-intervention across both groups, but remained significantly lower than baseline only in the active tDCS group at the 2-week follow-up.
Body mass index and leptin levels increased significantly in both groups, whereas neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) levels decreased exclusively in the active stimulation group.
Active tDCS did not demonstrate a statistically significant advantage over sham stimulation for short-term symptom reduction, although perceived stress predicted symptom improvement specifically in the active group.

Cite This Study

Rząd et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a9bd4046b95aff0620eb421 https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15176831

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark