Technology Assisted Treatment for Binge Eating Behavior

Technology Assisted Treatment for Binge Eating Behavior

Binge-eating behavior is a central feature of eating disorders (e.g., binge-eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa-binge-eating/purging subtype) and is associated with higher rates of psychopathology, psychosocial impairment, medical comorbidity, and more severe obesity, all of which pose significant public health problems. Passive detection of binge eating episodes combined with a context-based reminder intervention could assist a patient in resuming healthy eating patterns. This study will test a smartwatch app that identifies binge eating behavior and provides CBT strategies to the patient after the episode.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adults ≥18 years of age
2. EDE diagnosis of bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder, with binge-eating episodes occurring at least 2x/week

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Pregnancy or lactation
2. Acute medical or psychiatric risk
3. Psychosis or bipolar disorder (lifetime history)
4. Current substance use disorder within the past six months
5. BMI less than 18.5 kg/m2
6. Acute suicidality requiring hospitalization
7. Food allergies
8. Receiving current psychotherapy
9. On psychotropic medications that have not been on a stable dose for at least six weeks