Binges and Neural Variability (NCT04184856) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Binges and Neural Variability
Germany61 participantsStarted 2019-12-06
Plain-language summary
People who suffer from binge eating disorder experience recurrent episodes of binge eating.During these episodes, they consume an unusually large amount of food in a short amount of time and experience loss of control over eating. However, why such binge eating episodes occur is still largely unknown. This makes it difficult to develop targeted treatments. In this project, the experimenters are investigating the brain mechanisms that give rise to the disorder. They hypothesize that the binge eating episodes are due to an increased variability in reward processing, which they will assess repeatedly over days. They will test this hypothesis using mathematical models based on behavioural and MRI measurements that are related to the processing of rewards.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 69 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Binge eating disorder diagnosis
* Subsyndromal binge eating (control)
Exclusion Criteria:
* high risk of suicide
* co-occurring psychotic, bi-polar disorders, alcohol/substance dependence within the past six months
* lack of capacity for consent
* medical disorders that would affect weight and ability to participate
* insufficient German language skills (assessment will be in German)
* taking medication that would affect weight
* MRI exclusion criteria
* irremovable metal attached to the body (e.g. piercings)
* irremovable medical devices (e.g. pacemakers)
* any trauma or surgery which may have left ferromagnetic material in the body
* large tattoos
* pregnancy
* claustrophobia
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Variability in blood-oxygen-level dependent (BOLD) signalling in the NAcc during effort allocation task
Timeframe: 100 min
2
Trial-to-trial variability in reward seeking in an effort allocation task
Timeframe: 40 min
3
Variability in BOLD signalling in the NAcc for food-cue reactivity