Negative Affect Task for Binge Eating Disorder

Overseen by Guido KW Frank, MD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: University of California, San Diego

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Binge-eating is characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of - typically high calorie - foods, eating much more rapidly than normal and until feeling uncomfortably full, as well as feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed, or guilty after those episodes. Two eating disorders are characterized by binge-eating as central diagnostic criteria, binge-eating disorder (BED) and bulimia nervosa (BN). Binge-eating episodes in BN, but not BED, are typically followed by compensatory mechanisms such as self-induced vomiting, and BED is typically associated with obesity, while BN is not. Behavior studies such as ecological momentary assessment (EMA) research of affect in an individual's naturalistic environment have shown that negative affect and negative urgency (the tendency to act rashly when distressed) often precede binge-eating. The Investigators want to answer the following questions: Can negative affect in BN and BED be linked to 1) altered dopamine related brain reinforcement learning, 2) to food value computation and cognitive control circuit function, and 3) can dopamine related brain activation predict eating and negative affect, indicating a brain based neurobiological vulnerability. Answering those questions will help to define binge-eating based on regulation of brain reward, cognition, and emotion circuit function and point toward potential psychopharmacological interventions to normalize brain function and behavior.

Research Team

Guido KW Frank, MD

Principal Investigator

University of California, San Diego

Eligibility Criteria

Adults aged 18-55 with obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m2) and diagnosed with Bulimia Nervosa or Binge Eating Disorder, experiencing marked distress from binge eating. Participants should have a stable weight and food intake for the past month, no major medical illnesses, no history of substance abuse or certain psychiatric disorders, not pregnant or breastfeeding, and without metal implants.

Inclusion Criteria

I am 18-55, with a BMI over 30, stable diet for 4 weeks, right-handed as per EHI-R, and have been obese for at least a year.

I am 18-55 years old with Binge Eating Disorder and right-handed as per the EHI-R.

I am 18-55, have a healthy weight, regular menstrual cycles (if applicable), and am right-handed.

Exclusion Criteria

Obese: Current pregnancy or breast feeding within last 3 months, First degree relative with current or past eating disorder, Current or previous eating disorder diagnosis, Current Medications other than BCP or IUD, Past or present Axis I psychiatric disorder including substance or alcohol use disorder, Major Medical illness, Recent history of suspected substance abuse or a lifetime history of psychostimulant abuse and/or dependence, Metal implants or braces

I am not pregnant, breastfeeding, on certain medications, have a psychiatric disorder, a major illness, substance abuse history, or metal implants.

Binge Eating Disorder: Pregnancy or breast feeding within last 3 months, Lifetime history of bipolar disorder or psychosis, Use of a psychostimulant within the prior 6 months, Recent history of substance abuse or dependence (except for alcohol and cannabis use), Major Medical illness, Metal implants or braces

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Negative Affect Task (Behavioral Intervention)

Trial Overview The trial is studying how negative emotions affect people with bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. It aims to link these feelings to brain function related to reward learning, food value computation, cognitive control circuits, and whether this can predict future eating behavior.

Participant Groups

Group I: Behavioral Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Negative Affect Task

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of California, San Diego

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,215

Recruited

1,593,000+

Sanford Research

Collaborator

Trials

6

Recruited

1,200+

University of Colorado, Denver

Collaborator

Trials

1,842

Recruited

3,028,000+