Eating disorders (anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, etc.) are estimated to be more than 200,000 patients in Japan. In particular, anorexia nervosa often becomes physically serious conditions and has a high mortality rate. Therefore, they need to be treated and supported from both a physical and mental perspective. In order to provide comprehensive measures for prevention, early detection, acute treatment, and support during the chronic and recovery phases of eating disorders, our laboratory conducts the following surveys, research, and support in cooperation with various institutions in Japan.

1 ) Center for Eating Disorder Research and Information（CEDRI）activities for expansion of consultation, treatment, and support systems for eating disorders

Our mission is to expand the consultation, treatment, and support system for eating disorders in all prefectures. To achieve the mission, we are working with Support Base Hospital for Eating Disorders in Miyagi, Chiba, Shizuoka, and Fukuoka Prefectures. Now we are conductiong following projects: (1) to survey on the actual status of medical treatment for eating disorders, (2) to opereate a consultation service and portal site for patients and medical personnel, and (3) to hold various training sessions for medical personnel.

2 ) Eamination for effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy for bulimia nervosa, and training of the therapists

We are conducting a randomized controlled trial in a multicenter collaboration including National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tohoku University, University of Tokyo, International University of Health and Welfare, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, and Kyushu University, to examine the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy for bulimia nervosa, which was covered by insurance in 2018. In addition, in collaboration with the Japanese Society for Eating Disorders, the Japanese Society of Psychosomatic Medicine, and the Japanese Society of Psychosomatic Internal Medicine, we are holding training sessions to train therapists in cognitive-behavioral therapy for bulimia nervosa.

3 ) Elucidation of neuroscientific evidence of the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy for eating disorders

We are collecting brain MR images before and after cognitive behavioral therapy in a multicenter collaboration including National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tohoku University, Chiba University, Tokyo University, Kyoto University, University of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Kyushu University, to develop neuroscientific biomarkers that contribute to early diagnosis and prediction of treatment response to cognitive behavioral therapy in patients with eating disorders. By January 2022, we collected 102 brain MRI data which was the world's largest database of anorexia nervosa. Now, development of brain imaging diagnostic markers of anorexia nervosa is underway.