Skip to content
Clinical Trials – home

Rare diseases

Investigational molecules

Locations

Our offerNewsroom

Recruiting

Study on the Effects of Donepezil in Patients with Anorexia Nervosa

Verified siteRegistered drugNo placebo
Clinical Trials Concierge

Prefer not to search? Our Concierge searches the trials for you.

What is this trial about?

A plain-language summary of the goals, design and what participants do

This clinical trial is focused on studying the effects of a medication called on individuals with . Anorexia nervosa is a condition characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, leading to restricted food intake and excessive weight loss. The study aims to evaluate how donepezil, which is an , can help improve the symptoms associated with anorexia nervosa. Donepezil is commonly used to treat symptoms of Alzheimer's disease by increasing the levels of a chemical in the brain that is important for memory and learning.

Participants in the study will receive either donepezil or a , which looks like the medication but does not contain the active ingredient. The study is designed to be double-blind, meaning neither the participants nor the researchers will know who is receiving the actual medication or the placebo. This helps ensure that the results are not influenced by expectations. The treatment will be administered orally, and the study will last for a period of three months, during which participants will be monitored for changes in their symptoms and overall health.

The primary goal of the study is to observe any improvements in the symptoms of anorexia nervosa, such as changes in eating habits and body image perception. Additionally, the study will track other health indicators, including body mass index and psychological assessments, to gather comprehensive data on the effects of donepezil. Participants will undergo various tests and assessments at different points throughout the study to measure these changes. The study will also monitor for any potential side effects or adverse reactions to the medication. The findings from this trial could provide valuable insights into new treatment options for individuals with anorexia nervosa.

The research process

The trial runs in 7 steps – from screening to follow-up. Each step says what happens and what the team monitors.

  1. Step 1

    Joining the study

    Upon joining the study, eligibility is confirmed based on specific criteria such as age, body mass index, and heart rate.

    The study is designed for females with anorexia nervosa, specifically the restrictive subtype.

  2. Step 2

    Initial assessment

    An initial assessment is conducted to establish baseline measurements. This includes the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) score and other psychological and physical health assessments.

  3. Step 3

    Medication administration

    Participants receive either donepezil or a placebo. Donepezil is administered orally in the form of a 5 mg film-coated tablet.

    The medication is taken daily for the duration of the study.

  4. Step 4

    Follow-up assessments

    Follow-up assessments occur at various intervals: Day 3, Day 5, Day 30, Day 90, and Day 180.

    These assessments include monitoring changes in body mass index, psychological tests, and the occurrence of any adverse events.

  5. Step 5

    Primary outcome evaluation

    The primary outcome is evaluated by measuring the change in the EDE-Q score from the start of the study (Day 0) to Day 90.

  6. Step 6

    Secondary outcome evaluation

    Secondary outcomes include changes in body mass index, psychological test scores, and the occurrence of adverse events.

    These are assessed at various points throughout the study, including Day 90 and Day 180.

  7. Step 7

    Completion of the study

    The study concludes with a final assessment to evaluate the overall impact of the treatment on anorexia nervosa symptoms.

    Participants' data is collected and analyzed to determine the effectiveness of donepezil compared to the placebo.

Who can join the trial?

6 criteria

  • Must be female.
  • Must have 3 DSM V criteria for anorexia nervosa. DSM V is a guide used by doctors to diagnose mental health conditions.
  • Must have the restrictive subtype of anorexia nervosa, which means limiting food intake.
  • Must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 14 and 18.5 kg/m². BMI is a number calculated from a person's weight and height.
  • Must be aged between 18 and 65 years old.
  • Must have a resting heart rate of 40 beats per minute (bpm) or higher. Resting heart rate is the number of heartbeats per minute when you are at rest.

Who cannot join the trial?

3 criteria

  • Individuals who are not female cannot participate in the study.
  • Individuals who are not within the specified age range cannot participate in the study.
  • Individuals who are part of a vulnerable population cannot participate in the study.
Clinical Trials Concierge

Prefer not to search? Our Concierge searches the trials for you.

Tell us about your condition – we search every trial in Europe and connect you with the right site.

We usually reply within a few days

Verified sites

All sites with verified contact details – recruitment status may not be available; ask directly

Trial locations

Where you can join this trial

Countries are shaded by recruitment status. Click a recruiting country to ask about joining there.

Recruiting
Not finding your country?

Not sure what to do next?

Joining a clinical trial can seem overwhelming. We guide you step by step, so you know exactly what to expect and how we support you through the process.

See the full process and FAQ

Investigated drugs

Donepezil is a medication used in this trial to help improve symptoms of anorexia nervosa. It works by increasing levels of a certain natural substance in the brain, which may help with memory and thinking. In this study, researchers are testing whether donepezil can help people with anorexia nervosa feel better compared to those who do not receive the medication.

What is already known about the treatment

Donepezil – Donepezil is administered orally and is currently being studied in clinical trials for its potential benefits in treating anorexia nervosa. It is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, which means it works by increasing the levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, in the brain. This increase can help improve cognitive function and may have a positive effect on the symptoms of anorexia nervosa. Donepezil is primarily classified as a medication used to treat cognitive symptoms in conditions like Alzheimer's disease, but its application in anorexia nervosa is under investigation.

Investigated diseases

Anorexia nervosa – Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, leading individuals to restrict food intake severely. This condition often results in significant weight loss and malnutrition. People with anorexia nervosa may engage in excessive exercise, use laxatives, or induce vomiting to control their weight. The disorder can affect various bodily functions, including hormonal imbalances and weakened bones. Psychological symptoms such as anxiety and obsessive behaviors are also common. Over time, the physical and mental health impacts can become more pronounced if the disorder persists.
Trial detailsLast updated 2 Oct 2026
Age18+ yearsPhasePhase IITrial ID2024-511681-37-00Protocol codeD22-P020Estimated enrolment147 patientsSponsorGroupe Hospitalier Universitaire Paris Psychiatrie Et Neuroscience

sourced from the EU Clinical Trials Register and site verification

Want to learn more about this trial or check if you can participate?

Clinical Trials Concierge

Prefer not to search? Our Concierge searches the trials for you.

Tell us about your condition – we search every trial in Europe and connect you with the right site.

ClinicalTrials.eu

Every clinical trial in Europe, in plain language.

Explore the full ecosystem of clinical research in Europe.

Search trials

Legal notice · Published by CTIN POLAND sp. z o.o., ul. rtm. Witolda Pileckiego 67/109, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland · KRS 0001111334 · REGON 528919042 · NIP 9512598637

© 2026 Clinical Trials EU – European Clinical Trials Information Network

GDPR compliance, ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certified (LL-C Certification)

On this site, “treatment” means an investigational medicine being studied in a clinical trial. Its safety and efficacy for the use being studied have not yet been confirmed, some participants may receive a placebo or a comparator medicine, and taking part does not guarantee any health benefit. The decision to take part is made by the doctor at the research site. This site is for information only and does not replace medical advice.

This service is not affiliated with the European Commission, the EMA, or the official CTIS system. Most information comes from publicly available international clinical-trial registries, supplemented by data from academic sites, national regulators and commercial sponsors. On this site, “treatment” and “therapy” mean a medicine being tested in a clinical trial. Its safety and effectiveness in the use being studied are not yet confirmed, some participants may receive a placebo or a comparator, and taking part does not guarantee a health benefit. The doctor at the research site decides who can take part. This site provides information, not medical advice. Certain content and visual elements on this website have been generated or enhanced using artificial intelligence (AI).