Project BITE: Binge Intervention Target Effectiveness

Binge eating disorder (BED) is characterized by reoccurring binge eating episodes that
consist of eating a subjectively or objectively large amount of food over a period of time
accompanied by a sense of loss control over eating, in the absence of recurrent compensatory
behaviors (e.g., purging). Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the current gold-standard
treatment for reducing binge eating episodes in BED patients. The first-line of recommended
CBT treatment is a self-guided intervention called CBT-Guided Self-Help (CBT-GSH). However,
for a substantial minority of patients, CBT-GSH fails to reduce binge episodes after
treatment. Preliminary findings of the literature suggests that individuals with BED possess
deficits in inhibitory control as it relates to food-stimuli. We are studying how inhibitory
neurobiological and neurocognitive processes relate to binge eating treatment outcome.

This study involves a brief phone screen and research assessment (approximately 5 hours) to
determine eligibility. Eligible participants will receive CBT-GSH, which will include a
one-hour clinical intake followed by 6 therapy sessions (approximately 30 minutes each).
Participants will also complete research assessments at mid-treatment, post-treatment, and 3
month follow-up intervals. Research assessments include a battery of questionnaires,
computerized tasks, interviews, and a task using functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIR)
imaging.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Speak, write, and understand English

- Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater

- Experience objectively or subjectively large binge eating episodes once per week or
more for the past three months

- If applicable, have stable psychiatric medication for the past three months

- For the optional ecological momentary assessment, participants must own a smartphone
compatible with PACO mobile application

Exclusion Criteria:

- Currently engage (in past three months) in any regular compensatory behaviors (e.g.,
self-induced vomiting, laxative/diuretic use)

- Acute suicide risk

- Are currently receiving psychological treatment for binge eating

- Are currently receiving weight loss treatment

- Co-morbid clinically significant psychological disorder that would require attention
beyond the study treatment (e.g., psychotic disorder, substance dependence)

- Diagnosis of intellectual disability or autism spectrum disorder

- History of neurological condition or traumatic brain injury

- Current pregnancy

- History of bariatric surgery

- Are currently using a stimulant medication