Neurofeedback During Eating for Bulimia Nervosa

Last updated: January 28, 2026
Sponsor: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Bulimia

Vomiting

Treatment

Real fNIRS Neurofeedback

Sham-Control fNIRS Neurofeedback

Clinical Study ID

NCT05614024
GCO 21-2078
  • Ages 18-45
  • Female

Study Summary

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.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

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

Exclusion criteria:

  • Ongoing medical treatment, major medical condition, or psychiatric disorder that mayinterfere 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

Study Design

Total Participants: 30
Treatment Group(s): 2
Primary Treatment: Real fNIRS Neurofeedback
Phase:
Study Start date:
May 13, 2024
Estimated Completion Date:
December 31, 2027

Study Description

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.

Connect with a study center

  • Center for Computational Psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

    New York, New York 10027
    United States

    Site Not Available

  • Center for Computational Psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

    New York 5128581, New York 5128638 10027
    United States

    Active - Recruiting

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