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Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Using the Activity-based Anorexia Rodent Model to Study the Neurobiological Basis of Anorexia Nervosa
Published on: October 22, 2015
A study of patients with anorexia nervosa using ecologic momentary assessment
Scott G Engel1, Stephen A Wonderlich, Ross D Crosby
1Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, Fargo, North Dakota 58107, USA. sengel@nrifargo.com
Objective:
The purpose of the current study was to demonstrate the feasibility of studying subjects with anorexia nervosa (AN) using ecologic momentary assessment (EMA). A second goal of the current study was to conduct a preliminary investigation of a proposed model of anorexic behavior.
Method:
Ten female participants with AN carried Palm top computers for an average of 2 weeks per participant. Each day, participants were signaled six times by the Palm top and answered questions about mood, behavior, stressful events, and self-appraisal.
Results:
AN subjects displayed excellent compliance with the protocol. Participants completed more than 90% of the signaled recordings. The results also generally support the model of AN behavior proposed.
Conclusion:
EMA appears to be a feasible and productive means of assessment in studying AN.
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