Technology Assisted Treatment for Binge Eating
The Minnesota Center for Eating Disorders Research is looking for adults who experience binge eating episodes to participate in a study aimed at advancing technology for detecting these behaviors.
Fast Facts
Experience Symptoms of Binge Eating
18-65 Years Old
Compensation Provided
Conducted in Twin Cities, MN
Study Background
Researchers are developing an app to help treat eating disorders.
The purpose of this study is to develop a smartwatch app that can detect binge-eating occurrences. It is hoped that by developing this technology, that it can be used to develop more effective treatments for binge eating. If you were to participate in this study, you would be asked to first complete 1 research visit at the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Minnesota. The visit will take about 4 hours. You will complete questionnaires about your mood, as well as interviews about your eating habits and psychological experiences. After the visit, you will be asked to wear a study-provided smartwatch that is equipped with a sensor for two weeks, and complete daily surveys about eating behaviors on your cellphone for those two weeks. Following the completion of the two weeks, participants will be compensated up to $200.
Study Background
Researchers are developing an app to help treat eating disorders.
The purpose of this study is to develop a smartwatch app that can detect binge-eating occurrences. It is hoped that by developing this technology, that it can be used to develop more effective treatments for binge eating. If you were to participate in this study, you would be asked to first complete 1 research visit at the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Minnesota where you will complete questionnaires about your mood, as well as interviews about your eating habits and psychological experiences. After the visit, you will be asked to wear a study-provided smartwatch that is equipped with a sensor for two weeks, and complete daily surveys about eating behaviors on your cell phone for those two weeks.
Additional Information
The purpose of this study is to develop a smartwatch app that integrates the detection of binge-eating occurrences and contextual interventions. It is hoped that by developing this technology, it can be used to develop more effective treatments for binge eating.
You may qualify for a study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 18-65
- Engage in binge eating or experience loss of control over eating 2+ times per week
- No history of psychosis or bipolar disorder
- If female, not pregnant or breastfeeding
- No substance use disorder in the past 6 months
- No suicidal ideation
If you were to participate in this study, you would be asked to first complete 1 research visit at the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Minnesota. The visit will take about 4 hours. You will complete questionnaires about your mood, as well as interviews about your eating habits and psychological experiences. After the visit, you will be asked to wear a study-provided smartwatch that is equipped with a sensor for two weeks, and complete daily surveys about eating behaviors on your cellphone for those two weeks. Following the completion of the two weeks, participants will be compensated up to $200.
As a participant, you can be compensated up to $200 for your time and effort.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
