Neurofeedback During Eating for Bulimia Nervosa

Neurofeedback During Eating: A Novel Mechanistic Treatment for Bulimia Nervosa

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of noninvasive prefrontal cortex (PFC) neurofeedback during eating in women with bulimia nervosa (BN) using a wearable brain imaging device, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). The investigators will examine how this training may influence inhibitory control and BN symptoms.

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of PFC neurofeedback during eating in women with bulimia nervosa (BN) using fNIRS. Specifically, the study aims 1) to demonstrate ventrolateral PFC (vlPFC) neurofeedback target engagement in women with BN using fNIRS; and 2) to link changes in PFC activation to changes in inhibitory control and eating-related symptoms.

Data will be collected from women with BN who will be randomly assigned to one of two group conditions (real or sham-control neurofeedback during eating). Participation includes a phone screening assessment, psychodiagnostic assessment, one in-person evaluation, one neurofeedback session, behavioral tasks, online questionnaires before and after the neurofeedback session, and a remote follow-up assessment.

Inclusion criteria:

• Female
• Aged 18 to 45 years
• Meet diagnostic criteria for bulimia nervosa
• Current body mass index greater than or equal to 18.5kg/m2 but under 30kg/m2
• English-speaking

Exclusion criteria:

• Ongoing medical treatment, major medical condition, or psychiatric disorder that may interfere with study variables or participation
• Current psychotherapy focused primarily on eating disorder symptoms
• Pregnancy or planned pregnancy, or lactation during the study period
• Allergy to ingredients in the standardized meal or in the shake