Investigating brain changes in binge eating disorder using advanced imaging techniques
Official title: A 11C-UCB-J PET Study of Synaptic Density in Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
Funded at Yale University · NIH-10836030 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how binge eating disorder affects the brain by using a special imaging technique to see changes in brain connections, and it's for people who want to help improve treatments for this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | May 2, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $209,375 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MH130927-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10836030 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are diagnosed with binge eating disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have binge eating disorder or are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the neurobiological aspects of binge eating disorder (BED) by examining synaptic density in specific brain regions using a novel imaging technique called 11C-UCB-J PET. The study aims to identify micro-architectural changes in the brain that may contribute to the disorder, which could lead to improved treatment options. Participants will undergo brain imaging to assess the relationship between synaptic density and behavioral patterns associated with BED. The findings may help bridge the gap in knowledge regarding the neurobiology of BED and its similarities to substance use disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better-targeted treatments for individuals suffering from binge eating disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the neurobiology of eating disorders and their overlap with substance use disorders, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Potenza, Marc N — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Potenza, Marc N
Related research
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-
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This study is looking at how binge eating disorder affects Hispanic women over 65 who don’t always have enough food, to better understand their health challenges and improve care for them.
-
Understanding how brain circuits affect binge-eating disorder symptoms
This study is looking at how the brain works in people with binge-eating disorder to better understand why they make certain eating choices, with the hope of finding new ways to help them.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.