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