Binge Eating Disorder Research Study
Researchers at the Yale School of Medicine are conducting a brain imaging study to measure synaptic density in adults who experience binge eating.
Fast Facts
Experience Binge Eating Approximately One Time Per Week
21-50 Years Old
Compensation Provided
Conducted in New Haven, CT
Study Background
We’re measuring synaptic density in the brains of people with and without binge eating disorder.
Are you concerned about eating or overeating? Do you have times where you eat more than you feel is normal, or you feel like you can’t stop once you’ve started? If you have episodes like this at least once a week, you might fit the criteria for binge eating disorder.
This is a brain imaging research study that aims to learn more about binge eating disorder by measuring the level of synaptic density in the brain, meaning the number of connections between cells in the brain. We will then compare our measurements to the brains of people without binge eating disorder. It is not a treatment study.
Help advance eating disorder research and join our study today!
Study Background
We’re measuring synaptic density in the brains of people with and without binge eating disorder.
Are you concerned about eating or overeating? Do you have times where you eat more than you feel is normal, or you feel like you can’t stop once you’ve started? If you have episodes like this at least once a week, you might fit the criteria for binge eating disorder.
This is a brain imaging research study that aims to learn more about binge eating disorder by measuring the level of synaptic density in the brain, meaning the number of connections between cells in the brain. We will then compare our measurements to the brains of people without binge eating disorder. It is not a treatment study.
Help advance eating disorder research and join our study today!
HIC# 2000034271
Additional Information
The purpose of the study is to examine the difference in levels of synaptic density (number of connections between cells in the brain) in individuals with binge eating disorder compared to a control group of individuals who have not been diagnosed with binge eating disorder.
You may qualify for the study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- 21-50 years old
- Experience binge eating approximately one time per week
- Do not currently use stimulant or antidepressant medications
- No history of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or substance use disorder
- Generally healthy
- Able to undergo an MRI (no non-removable metal in body or extreme claustrophobia)
There are at least 4 required (in-person) visits, including:
- an outpatient screening
- one neurocognitive testing visit
- one MRI, and
- one PET scan. The MRI and neurocognitive testing can be completed on the same day if desired.
The screening visit will include a medical and psychiatric history, diagnostic interviews, physical exam, an EKG, routine laboratory tests, and toxicology screening. Once deemed eligible from the screening, you will undergo one PET scan. The scan uses 11C-UCB-J radiotracer (a radiotracer is a low dose of a drug that has a radioactive marker attached to it so that it can be detected by the PET scanner and used to create brain images). An arterial line will also be placed during this visit.
We anticipate the study will take approximately 10 hours to complete across the 3-4 study days..
As a participant, you can receive up to $500 for your time and effort.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
