Decision-Making Activities for Binge Eating Disorder

This trial aims to understand how women make everyday decisions and how these decisions relate to brain activity and daily experiences. The study involves speaking and talking activities to explore these decision-making processes. Women interested in joining should be fluent in English, right-handed, and have a body mass index (BMI) between 20 and 35. Researchers will compare participants with binge-eating disorder to those without to examine differences in decision-making between the groups. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to scientific understanding without the risks of testing new treatments.

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but certain medications like insulin are excluded. It's best to discuss your specific medications with the trial team.

Research shows that activities like speaking and talking are generally safe for participants. Studies commonly use these activities, which do not involve medication or physical procedures. The study aims to understand decision-making in everyday situations, focusing on observation and learning rather than testing a new drug or treatment.

Researchers are excited about these activities because they explore novel ways to tackle binge eating disorder through communication-based techniques rather than medication or traditional therapy alone. Unlike conventional treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy or pharmacotherapy, these activities focus on decision-making and self-reflection through structured talking and speaking exercises. By engaging participants in these activities, there is potential to enhance self-awareness and decision-making skills, offering a fresh approach to managing binge eating behaviors. This trial aims to uncover whether such interactive and engaging methods can effectively complement or even improve upon existing treatment strategies.

Research has shown that talking activities can help manage binge eating disorder (BED) by addressing its mental aspects. In this trial, participants will engage in both talking and speaking activities, with sequences varying by treatment arm. Studies have found that methods like motivational interviewing effectively promote healthier choices in eating disorders. Motivational interviewing involves discussing options to boost motivation and commitment. Participating in these talking activities may change behaviors by increasing awareness and control over eating habits. These activities aim to improve decision-making, potentially reducing binge eating episodes. While specific data on this exact treatment is limited, existing research on behavior change in eating disorders supports its underlying concepts.³⁶⁷⁸⁹