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.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for BULIMIA NERVOSA are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
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
Locations
-
University of Minnesota
RECRUITINGMinneapolis, Minnesota, 55455, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- 20,000-Person DNA hunt aims to crack eating disorder code
- New integrated therapy approach aims to transform eating disorder care
- Can talking to an avatar help beat eating disorders?
- Brain zaps and text alerts: new hope for bulimia?
- Tapping away fear: simple technique may ease Post-Meal anxiety in eating disorders
- New app aims to predict eating disorder behaviors before they happen