Brain scans reveal why anticipation fuels Binge-Purge cycles
NCT ID NCT04917068
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study investigates how the brain processes anticipation of rewards in people with bulimia nervosa. Researchers will use brain scans (fMRI) and daily-life surveys to compare 100 participants—those with bulimia and healthy controls. The goal is to identify neural and psychological patterns that maintain binge eating and purging, which could inform future treatments.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
What this could lead to
If successful, this could reveal key brain mechanisms behind bulimia, pointing toward new psychological or neural targets for treatment.
What could go wrong
This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. It may not lead directly to new therapies, and results may not apply to all people with bulimia.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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University of Minnesota
RECRUITINGMinneapolis, Minnesota, 55455, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-••••