Using brain stimulation and training to help reduce binge eating

Is this trial a fit for you?

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 intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) on the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) in combination with inhibitory control training to address binge eating behaviors. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active brain stimulation or a sham treatment while undergoing computerized training designed to improve their ability to control food cravings. The study aims to assess changes in brain activity, eating behaviors, emotional regulation, and cognitive functions, as well as biological parameters related to the interventions. By targeting impulsivity and craving, the study seeks to provide a comprehensive approach to treating binge eating disorder.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* BMI between 20 and 39.9
* Age between 18 and 60 years
* Two or more binge eating episodes in the past month (assessed with the Binge Eating Scale)
* Proficiency in the Spanish language
* Right lateral dominance to avoid differential effects due to cortical hemispheric specialization

Exclusion Criteria:

* Traumatic, digestive, metabolic or systemic disorders that affect the central nervous system, autonomic or endocrine
* Psychopathological disorders or presence of severe symptoms in the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21)
* Eeating disorders other than Binge Eating Disorder, or severe or extreme Binge Eating Disorder (8 or more binges per week)
* Contraindication for performing functional magnetic resonance imaging (pregnancy, metal implants, etc.) or iTBS (tinnitus, dizziness, surgical interventions, diseases or drugs that affect the central nervous system, etc.).

Where it's running

• Mind, Brain and Behavior Research Center at University of Granada (CIMCYC-UGR)
  Granada, Spain Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Raquel Vilar-López, Ph.D — Universidad de Granada
• Study coordinator: Raquel Vilar-López, Ph.D.
• Email: rvilar@ugr.es
• Phone: +34699407282

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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• Four CBT-E formats for Binge Eating Disorder in adults

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• COR program for treating binge eating in Chilean adults

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  Recruiting Universidad Catolica de Temuco · Temuco, La Araucanía · NCT07435974

• Smartphone app for managing binge eating using DBT skills

  This study is testing a smartphone app that helps women manage binge eating by using skills from Dialectical Behavior Therapy to see if it can reduce binge eating episodes over four months.

  Recruiting Universidade do Porto · Porto, Porto District · NCT06683456

• Training to improve brain control and reduce excess weight

  This study is testing whether a new brain training method combined with a special type of brain stimulation can help people with excess weight make healthier choices and improve their overall well-being.

  Recruiting Universidad de Granada · Granada · NCT06668077

• Training to improve control over food cravings for people with excess weight

  This study is testing whether a special training program that helps people control their food cravings can help those with excess weight improve their eating habits and lose weight.

  Recruiting Universidad de Granada · Granada · NCT06600100

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.