Plain-English translation of NCT05554172 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.
This study is testing a device that stimulates the vagus nerve—a major nerve in your body—to see if it can help improve eating behaviors in teenagers with anorexia nervosa. The device is non-invasive, meaning it doesn't require surgery. Researchers want to understand whether stimulation of this nerve, combined with standard eating disorder treatment, can help teens eat better and gain weight safely.
Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder, and current treatments don't work for everyone. This trial explores whether this nerve stimulation technique could be a helpful addition to standard treatment to support recovery and weight restoration.
You likely qualify if…
You likely don't qualify if…
You would visit the clinic three days per week for four weeks, where you'll receive 30 minutes of either nerve stimulation or sham (placebo) treatment. You'll also have four separate weekly study visits lasting about one hour each, where you'll eat a test meal, complete surveys about your eating and mood, and report any side effects. One week after the final visit, you'll return for a follow-up appointment to check in on how you're doing.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 2, 2026 · Not medical advice
United States
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Enrollment target
~30 participants
Started
December 2022
Primary completion
October 2026
Age range
14 Years – 22 Years
Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in October 2025.
Reach out to the team running this trial. Response times vary — some teams are faster than others.
Central contact
Tom Hildebrandt, PsyD
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Tell us you're interested and we'll help connect you with the research team. We'll walk you through what to expect first — no email needed to get started.