Motivating Factors That Play a Role in Bulimia Nervosa
| Status: | Completed |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | Psychiatric, Eating Disorder |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Psychiatry / Psychology |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | 18 - 45 |
| Updated: | 5/25/2016 |
| Start Date: | May 2005 |
| End Date: | May 2016 |
Translational Research on Eating Disorders: Behavioral Assessment of Motivation to Eat
This study will evaluate whether people with bulimia nervosa will binge eat in a structured
laboratory setting and display behavioral patterns similar to those of individuals who are
dependent on drugs.
laboratory setting and display behavioral patterns similar to those of individuals who are
dependent on drugs.
Bulimia nervosa (BN) is a serious eating disorder that is characterized by frequent
uncontrolled eating binges. These binges are often followed by compensatory behavior,
including the following: self-induced vomiting; misuse of laxatives, diuretics, enemas, or
other medications to induce purging; fasting; or excessive exercise. If left untreated, BN
can lead to many serious health issues: tooth decay; irregular menstruation; bowel damage;
constipation; heart and kidney disease; intestinal damage; puffiness, especially in the face
and fingers; increased hair growth on the face and body; and mineral imbalances in the body.
Similar to drug abuse disorders, food-related thinking and disordered eating behavior can
interfere with other occupational and social activities, as well. This study will evaluate
whether people with bulimia nervosa will binge eat in a structured laboratory setting and
display behavioral patterns similar to those of individuals who are dependent on drugs.
Interested participants will first report to the study site for a screening visit, during
which they will be assessed for eligibility using blood tests and an interview. Eligible
participants will return to the study site on 3 additional days. Participants will be asked
to refrain from eating or drinking between 10 P.M. each night before reporting to the study
site and 10 A.M. the next day. Each day, participants will receive breakfast, after which
they will not be allowed to eat or drink until the end of the day. Participants will then
use a computer program to earn food (a yogurt shake) by tapping on the keyboard. More taps
on the keyboard will result in a larger amount of food earned by the end of the day. Once
experimentation is complete on Day 1, participants will be instructed to eat as much as they
can. On Days 2 and 3, participants will be given a small serving of the yogurt shake prior
to beginning the computer task. Following the computer task, they will be instructed to
either eat until they are comfortable (without restricting or binging), or eat as much as
they can. A private bathroom will be available if needed. All participants, including those
who did not meet criteria for participation, will be offered treatment at the study clinic
once the study is complete.
uncontrolled eating binges. These binges are often followed by compensatory behavior,
including the following: self-induced vomiting; misuse of laxatives, diuretics, enemas, or
other medications to induce purging; fasting; or excessive exercise. If left untreated, BN
can lead to many serious health issues: tooth decay; irregular menstruation; bowel damage;
constipation; heart and kidney disease; intestinal damage; puffiness, especially in the face
and fingers; increased hair growth on the face and body; and mineral imbalances in the body.
Similar to drug abuse disorders, food-related thinking and disordered eating behavior can
interfere with other occupational and social activities, as well. This study will evaluate
whether people with bulimia nervosa will binge eat in a structured laboratory setting and
display behavioral patterns similar to those of individuals who are dependent on drugs.
Interested participants will first report to the study site for a screening visit, during
which they will be assessed for eligibility using blood tests and an interview. Eligible
participants will return to the study site on 3 additional days. Participants will be asked
to refrain from eating or drinking between 10 P.M. each night before reporting to the study
site and 10 A.M. the next day. Each day, participants will receive breakfast, after which
they will not be allowed to eat or drink until the end of the day. Participants will then
use a computer program to earn food (a yogurt shake) by tapping on the keyboard. More taps
on the keyboard will result in a larger amount of food earned by the end of the day. Once
experimentation is complete on Day 1, participants will be instructed to eat as much as they
can. On Days 2 and 3, participants will be given a small serving of the yogurt shake prior
to beginning the computer task. Following the computer task, they will be instructed to
either eat until they are comfortable (without restricting or binging), or eat as much as
they can. A private bathroom will be available if needed. All participants, including those
who did not meet criteria for participation, will be offered treatment at the study clinic
once the study is complete.
Inclusion Criteria:
Participants with Bulimia Nervosa:
- Meets DSM-IV criteria for bulimia nervosa
- Duration of illness is greater than 1 year
- Self-induces vomiting
- Weighs between 80% and 120% of ideal weight
- Female
Control Group:
- Weighs between 80% and 120% of ideal weight
- Female
- Ages 18-45
- No current or past psychiatric illness
- No history of eating disorder
Exclusion Criteria:
Participants with Bulimia Nervosa:
- Significant medical illness
- Current Axis I illness other than major depression
- Severe or very severe depression
- At risk for suicide
- Currently taking medication
- History of drug or alcohol abuse within the 6 months prior to study entry
- Pregnant
- Male
Control Group:
- Significant medical illness
- Currently taking medication
- History of drug or alcohol abuse within the 6 months prior to study entry
- Pregnant
- Male
- History of any eating disorder
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