Oxford Brain-Body Research into Eating Disorders
- +44 (0) 1865 618318 (fax +44 (0) 1865 793101)
- oxbread@psych.ox.ac.uk
Founded in 2010
Novel integrative approach of clinical- neuroscience collaborations
Funding from HEFCE, MRC & Sir Jules Thorne Charitable Trust, Charles Wolfson Charitable Trust
We work to understand the cognitive, biological, emotional and somatic processes underpinning the severe eating disorder Anorexia Nervosa in particular, and Eating Disorders in general. Our trans-disciplinary research, involving clinicians and neuroscientists, aims to translate research findings into novel treatment strategies.
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Our work focuses on Anorexia Nervosa. This severe eating disorder has the highest mortality of any psychiatric disorder and remains one of the most challenging to treat and recover from, with a paucity of evidence based treatments. To develop more effective treatments we need a better understanding of processes underpinning the illness.
I think perfectionism combined with over-analysing is quite a deadly combination.…. Now I am better, I feel I am dwelling in my body, perhaps for the first time in my adult experience.Quotes from individuals with Anorexia Nervosa
We are proud of the innovative way our research brings together cognitive science, neuroscience and experimental psychology. This integration helps generate a deeper understanding of how cognitive, emotional and bodily processes interact to maintain the illness.
In collaboration with world-class neuroscientists our work investigates brain processes underpinning thinking, feeling and experiencing reward, and how these differ for people with Anorexia Nervosa. Recent research has focused on the role of ruminative thought processes and abnormal reward processing. We aim to translate research findings into developing new forms of treatment and relapse prevention.
We have recently been awarded an MRC ‘Confidence in Concept Award’ (PI Rebecca Park) , in collaboration with Professor Tipu Aziz, Dept of Neurosurgery and Professor Catherine Harmer in Neurosciences. This grant- " Hungry for reward"- funds two complimentary studies; 1. A multimodal imaging study of neural processing and reward in individuals with current and past Anorexia Nervosa, and 2 . A pilot intervention study of Deep Brain Stimulation targeted at neural reward centres, for individuals with severe enduring Anorexia Nervosa. These studies explore the neural processing and behavioural correlates of aberrant reward and habit formation in Anorexia Nervosa . This work aims to contribute to develop knowledge of neural processes underpinning Anorexia Nervosa and in tandem develop novel treatment strategies.We are developing an international reputation in the field of Eating Disorders, and have made important advances in understanding the neurobiology of Anorexia Nervosa using functional magnetic resonance imaging, fMRI. These findings not only help us to better understand the disorder but enable us to push forward with research that is directly relevant to the development of new treatments.
Affiliated groups:
OxBREaD benefits from affiliations with two well established groups within the Department of Psychiatry:
CREDO1: Professor Chris Fairburn’s research group is world leading in the development of treatments for Eating Disorders.
PERL: Professors Catherine Harmer's group has an international reputation for excellence in the field of neuroscience and neuroimaging.
For more information on the Oxfordshire Specialist Eating Disorders service based at Cotswold House Oxford go to: The Cotswold House website and Oxford Health Eating Disorder Service website.
For more information on eating disorders and finding help go to the beat website.
Our team
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Rebecca Park
Associate Professor and Consultant Psychiatrist
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Helen Bould
Wellcome Doctoral Training Fellow
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Alexandra Pike
DPhil Student
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Jessica Scaife
Postdoctoral Researcher
Interested in helping eating disorder research?
Do join our research interested list if you have any personal experience of an eating disorder, currently or in the past. Please contact us if you want to know more about our work, and we will then send you information about current research studies and opportunities to get involved.
For more information or to register:
Oxford Research Interested List for Anorexia Nervosa (ORLA)
Or contact us:
Oxford Brain-Body Research in Eating Disorders (OxBREaD)
Department of Psychiatry
Warneford Hospital
Headington
Oxford
OX3 7JX
Email: oxbread@psych.ox.ac.uk
Telephone: 01865 618318
News
- We are pleased to welcome Jessica Scaife, returning after maternity leave to continue as a Post-Doctoral Researcher.
- Please take a look at some of Helen's recent exciting research - see a news item about it here!
http://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2016-04-21-school-affects-girls-chances-being-diagnosed-eating-disorder
- We would like to draw your attention to the change in our contact number: please contact 01865 618318 with any enquiries.
Current collaborations
- Professor Phil Cowen (Neurosciences, Oxford University)
- Professor Catherine Harmer (Neurosciences, Oxford University)
- Professor Kia Nobre (OHBA, Oxford University)
- Professor Tipu Aziz (Department of Neurosurgery, Oxford University),
- Dr Jacinta Tan, Psychiatrist and ethicist, (University of Swansea)
- Dr Sanne de Witt (University of Amsterdam),
- Claire Gillan (University of Cambridge)
Current research studies
Can Deep Brain Stimulation help severe enduring Anorexia Nervosa?
We are piloting Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) as a novel experimental treatment for severe enduring AN. This study includes investigation of the underlying neural processes and a substudy of the important ethical issues involved. DBS is a reversible, adjustable, non-destructive intervention that involves implanting fine wires to target specific brain areas. Using this surgically implanted medical device like a ‘brain pacemaker’, carefully controlled electrical pulses are delivered to the precisely targeted brain area, stimulating them in a controlled manner.
We are recruiting a small number of individuals with severe enduring AN who want to take part
Glutathione levels and compulsivity
We are looking for healthy people who are sometimes worried about their eating habits, diet or weight to participate in a study using a dietary supplement called N acetyl cysteine which increases the levels of a neurochemical, glutathione, in your brain. If you are a healthy female, aged between 18-40 years with no current health problems, and interested in participating in the study we’d like to hear from you. Feel free to ask questions – showing interest doesn’t commit you to anything! You will be compensated for your time if you decide to take part. You can email me on alexandra.pike@psych.ox.ac.uk or call 01865 618318 for more information.
In memoriam
We are deeply grateful for the recent donations from the family and friends of the late Emma Bruce. We never met Emma but she had suffered from Anorexia for many years, and not long before she died, she was given hope after hearing about the work of OxBREaD.
Click here to go to their JustGiving page.
