Neurofeedback treatment for women with bulimia nervosa
Official title: Neurofeedback During Eating: A Novel Mechanistic Treatment for Bulimia Nervosa
Run by Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NCT05614024 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests if a new brain training method can help women with bulimia nervosa improve their control over eating and reduce their symptoms.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 13, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2027 |
| Registry record updated | November 4, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05614024 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are women aged 18 to 45 who meet the diagnostic criteria for bulimia nervosa and have a body mass index between 18.5 and 30 kg/m2.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients currently undergoing psychotherapy focused on eating disorder symptoms or those with significant medical or psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of noninvasive neurofeedback targeting the prefrontal cortex during eating in women diagnosed with bulimia nervosa. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either real or sham neurofeedback while eating, using a wearable brain imaging device called functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). The study aims to assess how this neurofeedback training may enhance inhibitory control and alleviate symptoms associated with bulimia nervosa. Data collection includes assessments before and after the neurofeedback session, along with follow-up evaluations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve inhibitory control and reduce symptoms of bulimia nervosa in affected individuals.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of neurofeedback in eating disorders is an emerging field, similar studies have shown promise in other conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: * Female * Aged 18 to 45 years * Meet diagnostic criteria for bulimia nervosa * Current body mass index greater than or equal to 18.5kg/m2 but under 30kg/m2 * English-speaking Exclusion criteria: * Ongoing medical treatment, major medical condition, or psychiatric disorder that may interfere with study variables or participation * Current psychotherapy focused primarily on eating disorder symptoms * Pregnancy or planned pregnancy, or lactation during the study period * Allergy to ingredients in the standardized meal or in the shake
Where it's running
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Center for Computational Psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, New York, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Laura A Berner, Ph.D. — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Sila Sozeri, B.A.
- Email: sila.sozeri@mssm.edu
- Phone: (212) 201-2679
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Eating Disorder Dynamic Intervention
A digital program is tested to help adults with eating disorders by sending real-time, personalized coping tips based on smartphone surveys and sensor data.
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Understanding and Targeting Self-Regulatory Control in Bulimia Nervosa
In women with bulimia nervosa, this study tests whether real-time brain feedback during eating, paired with a 4-week text-message program, can help improve self-control and reduce symptoms.
-
MDMA-assisted therapy for bulimia nervosa
This study tests whether MDMA-assisted therapy can help people with bulimia nervosa over a 10-week period.
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Cognitive evaluation for people with eating disorders
This project tests whether thinking skills (like cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control) and automatic food-related attitudes differ among people aged 14–65 with ARFID, anorexia, or bulimia.
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An AI chatbot to help teens and young adults with eating disorders manage anxiety about weight gain
This project will test an AI-powered chatbot that delivers exposure-based exercises to help adolescents and young adults in a partial hospitalization program reduce anxiety about weight gain.
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Digital twins to classify mental health patterns in adults with diabetes
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.