An fMRI Study of Self-regulation in Adolescents With Bulimia Nervosa

Patients with Bulimia Nervosa (BN) have difficulty regulating impulsive behaviors as
suggested by their binge-eating and purging, as well as the high incidence of drug abuse and
shoplifting in this population. Understanding dysfunction in the frontostriatal circuitry
that mediates self-regulatory control processes will aid development of new therapeutics for
the impulsivity associated with BN. We are conducting a longitudinal study to better
understand the development and persistence of BN.

Participation in this study includes 4 sections: Neuropsychological Tests, Diagnostic
interviews, Pregnancy Test, and MRI scan. All efforts are made to coordinate procedures into
one day, and they require between 4 and 5 hours of the participant's time. The option of
splitting participation into two study days is also offered for participants who find it more
convenient. Participants are compensated with $100 in the form of a check, which is mailed to
their home address. Participants will be invited back for follow-up visits.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Current or prior DSM IV diagnosis of Bulimia Nervosa or Sub-threshold Bulimia Nervosa
(those who meet all DSM-IV criteria for BN, but engage in subjective binge-eating
episodes and binge/purge at a frequency of at least once per week for 3 months,
whereas meeting full DSM-IV criteria for BN requires binge eating and purging twice
per week for 3 months)

- Major Depression

- For control adolescents, no current or past history of an eating disorder

Exclusion Criteria:

- Ferromagnetic implants (e.g., pacemaker)

- Metal braces or retainers

- IQ less than 80

- Any other current major Axis I disorder, other than major depressive disorder (MDD)

- History of concussion, seizure disorder, or other neurological illness

- Claustrophobia

- Pregnant