NCT05995496 · Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Changes in Inhibition and Valuation After Eating
What this study is about
An impaired ability to exert control has been implicated in bulimia nervosa (BN), but this impairment may not represent a stable trait or be the most effective focus for treatment. This project aims to understand how predictions and value-based decisions about control may be abnormally influenced by eating in individuals with BN, thereby maintaining cycles of binge eating, purging, and restriction.
View original scientific description
An impaired ability to exert control has been implicated in bulimia nervosa (BN), but this impairment may not represent a stable trait or be the most effective focus for treatment. This project aims to understand how predictions and value-based decisions about control may be abnormally influenced by eating in individuals with BN, thereby maintaining cycles of binge eating, purging, and restriction.
Interventions
OTHER
Fasting state
16 hours of fasting
OTHER
Fed state
Fed a standardized meal
OTHER
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Neuroimaging with computational modeling
Primary outcome measures
Frontostriatal Activation Associated with Prediction Errors on the Stop Signal Task
Time frame: 1-2.5 hours after a 16-hour fast (fasted state)
Blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signal in frontostriatal brain circuitry associated with inhibitory control prediction errors
Frontostriatal Activation Associated with Prediction Errors on the Stop Signal Task
Time frame: 1-2.5 hours after a standardized meal (fed state)
Blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signal in frontostriatal brain circuitry associated with inhibitory control prediction errors
Frontostriatal Activation Encoding the Subjective Value of Cognitive Effort on the Cognitive-Effort Discounting Task
Time frame: 1-2.5 hours after a 16-hour fast (fasted state)
Blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signal in frontostriatal brain circuitry associated with the subjective value of expending cognitive effort on control
Frontostriatal Activation Encoding the Subjective Value of Cognitive Effort on the Cognitive-Effort Discounting Task
Time frame: 1-2.5 hours after a standardized meal (fed state)
Blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signal in frontostriatal brain circuitry associated with the subjective value of expending cognitive effort on control
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Aged 18 to 45 years
- Current BMI greater than or equal to 18.5kg/m2 but under 30kg/m2
- Right-handed
- English-speaking Additional Inclusion Criteria for Women with Bulimia Nervosa:
- Meet DSM-5 criteria for bulimia nervosa
Exclusion criteria
- Medical instability
- Ongoing medical treatment, medical condition, or psychiatric disorder that may interfere with study variables or participation
- Pregnancy, planned pregnancy, or lactation during the study period
- Allergy to any of the ingredients in or unwillingness to consume the standardized meal or unwillingness to drink water during the fasting period
- Any contraindication for fMRI
Where
- New York, New York
Collaborators
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Feb 17, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations