Bulimia nervosa
MONDO:0005452A disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge-eating over which the individual feels a lack of control; these episodes of binge-eating are followed by recurrent compensatory behavior to prevent weight gain, usually self-induced vomiting. In addition, self-evaluation is unduly influenced by body image.
Also known as: bulimia, hyperorexia nervosa
124 clinical trials for this condition and its sub-types.
Follow this condition — get notified about new trialsBroader categories
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New community program targets COPD and mental health together
Disease control CompletedThis completed trial in Xishui, China, tested a community-based program for 3,571 adults aged 35 and older who were at high risk for COPD and had mental health symptoms. The program included lung function tests, digital mental health support, smoking cessation help, and health ed…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Peking Union Medical College • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:03 UTC
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Group therapy shows promise for bulimia nervosa in new study
Disease control CompletedThis study tested a specific group therapy for bulimia nervosa in 100 patients. Half received the therapy in 9-10 sessions, while the other half were placed on a waiting list. Researchers measured eating disorder symptoms before, after, and two years later to see if the therapy h…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Fundació Institut de Recerca de l'Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:12 UTC
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Mediterranean diet shows promise for metabolic health in psychiatric patients
Disease control CompletedThis completed study tested whether a Mediterranean diet could improve metabolic syndrome markers in 30 hospitalized adults with psychiatric conditions. Participants followed either a Mediterranean diet or a standard hospital diet for 8 weeks, then switched. Researchers measured …
Phase: NA • Sponsor: King Saud University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 26, 2026 15:01 UTC
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Can dogs help teens with anxiety and depression? new study says maybe
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested whether adding dog-assisted therapy to usual care helps teens aged 12-18 with mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation. 70 teens in a day hospital were randomly assigned to either get dog therapy plus usual care or usual care al…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Hospital Clinic of Barcelona • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:02 UTC
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Can talking to an avatar help beat eating disorders?
Symptom relief CompletedThis completed trial tested whether virtual reality therapy can help people with anorexia or bulimia. 96 participants either received virtual reality sessions plus usual care, or usual care alone. In the VR sessions, they created an avatar representing their 'eating disorder voic…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University Hospital Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:01 UTC
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Caregiver support program shows promise for families facing eating disorders
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested a program called Family Connections for caregivers of people with both an eating disorder and a personality disorder. The goal was to see if the program could reduce stress and conflict at home. 124 Spanish caregivers took part, and researchers measured things l…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Valencia • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:38 UTC
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Tapping away fear: simple technique may ease Post-Meal anxiety in eating disorders
Symptom relief CompletedThis small pilot study tested whether a technique called bilateral stimulation (side-to-side tapping) could help people with eating disorders feel less anxious after eating foods they normally avoid. Eight adults in outpatient treatment either received standard care alone or stan…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: San Francisco State University • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:37 UTC
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Video game therapy shows promise for mental health
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested whether a 4-week program using active video games (exergames) on the Nintendo Switch could help adults with mental illness feel better and stay motivated. Twelve participants were split into two groups: one played exergames, the other continued their usual routi…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Salamanca • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:35 UTC
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New combo therapy shows promise for eating disorders
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested a new combination of two talk therapies for adults with eating disorders who are not underweight. Twenty participants were randomly assigned to either standard cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-E) or a mix of CBT and metacognitive interpersonal therapy (CBT-F+MI…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Centro Trattamento Integrato: Disturbi Alimentari e Obesita • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:34 UTC
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Can a phone app tame disordered eating? small study tests personalized Self-Help
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested a self-guided smartphone program for women with disordered eating. Twenty women used their phones to track eating habits for two weeks, then received two personalized treatment modules. Researchers checked if the program was easy to use and if it helped reduce s…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Louisville • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:29 UTC
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Can a Self-Help website beat group therapy for binge eating?
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested two ways to deliver cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for binge eating: a web-based self-help program and online group therapy. 120 adults with bulimia or binge eating disorder took part. The goal was to see which approach better reduces binge eating episodes a…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Shanghai Mental Health Center • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:25 UTC
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Can a smartphone app help tame eating disorders?
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested whether an 8-week mindfulness app is practical and liked by people with anorexia or bulimia. 32 adults who were already in eating disorder treatment used the app at home. The goal was to see if they would complete the modules and find them helpful, not to cure t…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Yeshiva University • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:07 UTC
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Yoga and body awareness show promise for eating disorder recovery
Symptom relief CompletedThis pilot study tested whether adding weekly Hatha yoga or a body-focused therapy (FSB) to standard treatment can improve body image and eating behaviors in young women aged 16-25 with anorexia or bulimia. 54 participants were split into three groups: standard care alone, standa…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Azienda Ulss 2 Marca Trevigiana • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:04 UTC
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Can a smartphone app help teens battle eating disorders?
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested a mobile app designed to help teens with eating disorders who are not currently in treatment. Researchers recruited 161 teens through Instagram and Facebook. Participants used a guided self-help app, with some also getting coaching or a social networking feature…
Phase: PHASE1 • Sponsor: Washington University School of Medicine • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 11:00 UTC
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Email lessons ease eating disorder symptoms during long wait times
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested whether a simple email program could help adults with eating disorders while they wait for specialized care. 78 people on a waitlist were randomly assigned to receive weekly educational emails for four weeks or no emails. The goal was to see if the materials cou…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Douglas Mental Health University Institute • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:08 UTC
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Online CBT shows promise for teens with bulimia and higher weight
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested two online treatments for teenagers who have bulimia nervosa (binge eating and purging) and are overweight. The goal was to see if these therapies are practical and helpful for reducing binge eating and purging. Twenty-five teens participated, and the study meas…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Yale University • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:05 UTC
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Brain zaps for Binge-Eating? small trial shows promise
Symptom relief CompletedThis completed trial tested whether a device that delivers magnetic pulses to the brain (BTL-995-rTMS) could reduce binge-eating in 23 adults over age 22. Participants received six treatment sessions and filled out questionnaires about their eating habits and comfort. The study a…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: BTL Industries Ltd. • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 26, 2026 17:38 UTC
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Can peers help others recover? small study tests new program
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study tested whether a 10-week recovery program, co-led by a peer with mental illness and a professional, is feasible for people with mental illness in Taiwan. Twenty participants completed the program, which focused on recovery concepts, strengths, and goal setting. Researc…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: National Cheng-Kung University Hospital • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:00 UTC
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Brain scans and thinking tests aim to unlock secrets of Self-Harm
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at how thinking skills and brain activity differ in people who self-harm compared to those who don't. Researchers interviewed 316 adults and gave them thinking tests, with some also having brain scans. The goal was to better understand self-harm to help create m…
Sponsor: Region Skane • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:34 UTC
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Teen brain scans reveal clues about eating disorders
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at how certain personality traits and brain activity are linked to eating disorder symptoms in teenage girls. Researchers used brain scans to measure responses to rewards and followed up one year later to see how symptoms changed. The goal was to better understa…
Sponsor: University of California, San Diego • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:32 UTC
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Online parent groups may help families of kids with eating disorders during pandemic
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic affected children with eating disorders and their families in Canada. Researchers tested virtual support groups led by parents who have been through similar experiences. They interviewed parents, youth, and healthcare workers to see …
Phase: NA • Sponsor: McMaster University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:28 UTC
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Could a digital tool for obesity uncover hidden eating disorders in kids?
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis completed observational study from Karolinska Institutet looked at 312 children and teens with obesity who used a digital treatment tool called Evira at home. Researchers checked their medical records to see if any developed signs of disordered eating or were diagnosed with …
Sponsor: Karolinska Institutet • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:26 UTC
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Can exercise curb binge eating? new study explores the link
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis small study looked at how exercise influences appetite in women who experience loss of control eating, like binge eating or bulimia. Researchers measured food intake and appetite-related hormones after exercise versus rest. The goal was to gather initial data to guide future…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Ohio University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:26 UTC
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Peer support after psychiatric stay shows promise in small VA study
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study tested a program called Recovery Bridge, where trained peer specialists (people with lived experience of mental illness) helped veterans leaving a psychiatric hospital connect to outpatient care and community life. Fifteen veterans took part to see if the program was f…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:23 UTC
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Study links fear and stomach pain to eating disorder behaviors
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at how fear, stomach discomfort, and feelings of fullness are connected in women with eating disorders. 133 women ate a yogurt described as either high-fat or low-fat (though both were the same) while researchers measured their fear, stomach symptoms, and gut ho…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Ohio University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:08 UTC
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Sleep struggles widespread in psychiatric wards
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at how often insomnia occurs in people hospitalized for psychiatric conditions. Researchers checked 427 patients at 11 hospitals in Switzerland and Germany. They also explored whether age, gender, or type of disorder made insomnia more likely.
Sponsor: University of Bern • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:03 UTC
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Could a tailored approach beat standard therapy for eating disorders?
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study compared a new personalized treatment for eating disorders (called Network-Informed Personalized Treatment) with the current standard therapy (Enhanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). 80 adults with eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia took part. The goal was to se…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Louisville • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:00 UTC
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Slovakia counts its mental health: 3,100 interviewed
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis completed study surveyed 3,100 adults in Slovakia to find out how many people have mental disorders like depression, anxiety, PTSD, or addiction. Researchers used a standard interview tool to measure current and lifetime rates, and looked at who gets help and who doesn't. Th…
Sponsor: Comenius University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:06 UTC
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Brain scans reveal how fasting and eating impact Self-Control in bulimia
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at how eating and fasting affect self-control in women with and without bulimia nervosa. Researchers used brain scans and computer tasks to see differences in behavior and brain activity. The goal was to better understand what drives bulimia symptoms. 100 adult …
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:03 UTC
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Scientists investigate whether Body's own antibodies drive eating disorders
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study aimed to find out if people with eating disorders have unusual antibodies that attack natural chemicals controlling appetite. Researchers collected blood samples from 211 participants, including patients with anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating, and healthy volunteers. …
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University Hospital, Rouen • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:02 UTC
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Can doing meaningful activities boost recovery in mental illness? new study says maybe.
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study tested an 8-month program called 'Meaningful Activities and Recovery' (MA&R) for people with mental illness. The program helps people take part in activities that matter to them. 139 adults took part to see if the program improves activity engagement, recovery, and qua…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Amager Hospital • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:01 UTC
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Could overeating be like addiction? brain study explores link
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at brain activity in 108 women to see if overeating shares features with addiction. Researchers measured brain waves (P300) while women listened to sounds, and also asked about eating habits and mood. The goal was to compare obese women with eating disorders to …
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Hospices Civils de Lyon • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:05 UTC
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Could a simple questionnaire unlock the secrets of Kids' eating disorders?
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study tested a new parent questionnaire called ORALQUEST to assess feeding and eating disorders in children aged 9 months to 6 years. Researchers included 338 children with chronic conditions like heart defects or autism, as well as those with picky eating. The goal was to s…
Sponsor: Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:04 UTC
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Hidden ADHD: study reveals how many adults are undiagnosed
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis completed study looked at 224 adults who already had at least one psychiatric condition to see how many also had undiagnosed ADHD. Researchers measured how often ADHD was missed and tracked quality of life in those diagnosed. The goal is to highlight the need for better dete…
Sponsor: Takeda • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:54 UTC
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Blood sugar swings may fuel binge eating, tiny study hints
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis completed study looked at 20 adults with bulimia or binge eating disorder to see if low blood sugar levels trigger eating binges. Participants wore a continuous glucose monitor and kept a food diary for 14 days. The goal was to understand whether blood sugar dips lead to cri…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University Hospital, Montpellier • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:53 UTC
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Could Low-Nicotine smokes plus E-Cigs cut harm for mentally ill smokers?
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at whether using very low nicotine cigarettes along with nicotine-containing e-cigarettes can reduce harmful chemical exposure in smokers with mental health conditions. 88 participants were assigned to different combinations of cigarettes and e-cigarettes. The m…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Milton S. Hershey Medical Center • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 26, 2026 15:59 UTC
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Pregnancy struggles of women with eating disorders explored in new study
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis completed study interviewed 28 women with a history of bulimia or binge-eating disorder about their pregnancy and postpartum experiences. Researchers aimed to understand how these women cope with body changes and interact with healthcare services. The goal is to improve care…
Sponsor: Ostfold University College • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 26, 2026 15:42 UTC