Contact the study team:

  1. Email: McLeanDecisionMakingStudy@partners.org

  2. Phone Number: 617-855-4080

Do you or someone you know experience binge eating?

Researchers at McLean Hospital are examining how the brain functions during decision making in young women who experience binge eating. Join our compensated study today!

Fast Facts

Frequently experience binge eating

No diabetes or severe medical disease

No extreme dietary limitations

18-40 year old female

Compensation Provided

Conducted in Belmont, MA

Study Background

Researchers at McLean Hospital in Belmont, MA are conducting a research study to explore how the brain functions during decision making in young women who experience binge eating.

Participants will be asked asked to answer a large number of questions about your medical, psychiatric, and personal history and asked to do a variety of tasks that include everyday decision making. Participants will also be asked to get multiple MRI scans of their brain and body.

Support research today and join our compensated study!

Additional Information

The purpose of this clinical research study is to increase our understanding of decision making in women who experience binge eating.

You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.

Key Criteria:

  • 18-40 year old female
  • No extreme dietary limitations (e.g., veganism)
  • No food allergies that substantially restrict the range of foods that can be consumed
  • Body mass index 20-40 kg/m2
  • Normal or corrected to normal vision and hearing
  • Fluent in written and spoken English
  • Right-Handed
  • No metallic implants or devices, including metal braces
  • Frequently experience binge eating
  • Do not have diabetes or severe medical disease

Once enrolled, this study involves up to two visits (17+ hours total):

  • Study Visit 1
    • Takes place virtually, but can be done in person if you don’t have a computer or good internet connection.
  • Study Visit 2
    • Takes place primarily at McLean Hospital (however, you may be asked to do one of the visit tasks, which can be done virtually, a day or more ahead of time). 
  • Participants will be asked to answer questions about their medical and psychiatric history and do a variety of tasks including everyday decision making. These tasks involve viewing and rating a large number of food pictures. Additionally, participants will be asked to get multiple MRI scans of their brain and body.

Compensation is provided up to $425 for your time.

There is no cost for you to participate in the study.