Understanding decision-making and brain activity in young women with binge-eating disorder
Understanding the Effects of Acute Stressors and Negative Emotion on Eating Behavior in Binge-Eating Disorder: the Role of Stressor-Induced Changes in Reward and Cognitive Control
This study looks at how young women with binge-eating disorder make decisions and how their brains work during everyday choices, like picking snacks or activities.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Mclean Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Belmont, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT04125589 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the decision-making processes and brain activity of young adult women, both with and without binge-eating disorder. Participants will engage in everyday decision-making activities, such as choosing snacks or leisure activities, while their brain activity is monitored. The goal is to understand how these decisions relate to daily experiences and the underlying neural mechanisms involved. The study includes interventions involving speaking and talking activities to facilitate data collection.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include young adult women aged 18-35 with a body mass index of 20-35 kg/m², particularly those diagnosed with binge-eating disorder.
Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairments, certain medical conditions, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment strategies for binge-eating disorder.
How similar studies have performed: While studies on decision-making and brain activity exist, this specific focus on binge-eating disorder in young women is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
INCLUSION CRITERIA: Inclusion Criteria for All Participants: * Normal or corrected to normal vision and hearing * Verbal and written fluency in English * Right-handed * Body mass index of 20-35 kg/m\^2 Additional Inclusion Criteria for Participants with Binge-Eating Disorder: • DSM-5 binge-eating disorder EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Exclusion Criteria for All Participants: * Impaired cognition or other neurological/cognitive problems * Contraindications to MRI (e.g., certain metal implants, claustrophobia) * Currently/recently/potentially pregnant, seeking to become pregnant in the near future, or breastfeeding * Serious and/or unstable medical diseases and conditions, and certain other medical diseases and conditions * Recent low weight * Certain medications (e.g., insulin) * Current/recent frequent recreational drug use, or history of frequent recreational drug use in early adolescence * Extreme dietary limitations (e.g., veganism), pervasive food allergies, or limited exposure to popular snack foods * Current/recent suicidality * Current/recent changes in treatment for mental illness * Study-relevant research experience Additional Exclusion Criteria for Comparison Participants: * Personal history of eating disorders or recurrent binge eating * Personal history of any other mental illness, including serious substance use problems * First-degree relative with current or past eating or psychotic disorder * Significant recent change in weight Additional Exclusion Criteria for Participants with Binge-Eating Disorder: * Severe mental illness (e.g., psychotic disorder, severe agoraphobia) * Certain other current/recent mental illness, including severe substance use problems, that would limit study participation or safety * Recent anorexia nervosa spectrum disorder, avoidant-restrictive food intake disorder, or bulimia nervosa spectrum disorder
Where this trial is running
Belmont, Massachusetts
- McLean Hospital — Belmont, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kristin N Javaras, DPhil, PhD — Mclean Hospital
- Study coordinator: Study Research Assistant
- Email: McLeanDecisionMakingStudy@partners.org
- Phone: 617-855-4080
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.