Neural Bases of Multiple Forms of Self-regulatory Control in Bulimia Nervosa

University of California, San Diego89 enrolled

Overview

The purpose of this study is to investigate areas of the brain responsible for self-regulation in adult women who have never had an eating disorder with women who have bulimia nervosa. More specifically, investigators are interested in changes in brain activation (e.g., changes in blood flow and oxygen use) when inhibiting responses and regulating emotions. Data collection will rely on a technology called functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

Conditions

Bulimia Nervosa

Eligibility

Sex: FEMALEMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 35 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

General Inclusion Criteria: * Female * Right-handed * Between the ages of 18 and 35 years \*For Women with Bulimia Nervosa: * Binge eating (i.e., eating a large amount of food while experiencing a sense of loss of control) * Purging via self-induced vomiting (other methods may also be endorsed) General Exclusion Criteria: * Current significant medical illness or condition (e.g., diabetes, thyroid disease) * Pregnancy, planned pregnancy, or lactation during the study period * Non-removable metallic objects in the body

Locations (1)

UCSD Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research

San Diego, California, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Self-Regulatory Control

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging will be used to assess brain activation associated with motor inhibitory control and affect regulation in women with bulimia nervosa (BN)

Time frame: Day 2 (fMRI Scan)

Secondary Outcomes

Goal-Directed Action Control

An computerized instrumental learning task will be used to assess performance of women with and without bulimia nervosa.

Time frame: Day 1

Eating Disorder Relevance

The Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) will be conducted to assess relative associations of motor, affective, and goal-directed action control with bulimia nervosa severity.

Time frame: Day 0

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.