Research and Study of Eating Disorder Treatment and Etiology

Newly proposed DSM-5 criteria reduce the need for “not otherwise specified” diagnoses and can be reliability applied by clinicians in a residential eating disorder treatment setting

Jennifer J. Thomas, Ph.D.1,2,3; Kamryn T. Eddy, Ph.D.2,3;
Robert Hohe, B.S.1,2,4; Philip Levendusky, Ph.D. 1,3; Anne E. Becker, M.D., Ph.D., Sc.M.2,3,5

1Klarman Eating Disorders Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
2Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
3Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
4Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany
5Department of Global Health & Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

Objective: The DSM-5 Eating Disorders (ED) Work Group has proposed new diagnostic criteria that broaden anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN); add new disorders (e.g., binge eating disorder, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder); and create descriptive subtypes within ED not otherwise specified (EDNOS). However, the reliability and validity of these new criteria have not been prospectively tested. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical utility of proposed DSM-5 criteria by assessing the prevalence of EDNOS under DSM-IV versus DSM-5; and the inter-rater reliability of research and clinician diagnoses in DSM-IV versus DSM-5.

Method: Consecutive female patients aged 13-23 (N = 42) admitted to a residential ED treatment facility received both DSM-IV and DSM-5 ED diagnoses from a research assessor (n = 3) via the Eating Disorder Examination; and a treating clinician (n = 13) via an unstructured interview in routine care. We tested our hypothesis that significantly fewer patients would receive EDNOS diagnoses under DSM-5 versus DSM-IV using Fisher’s exact test, and evaluated inter-rater reliability between research and clinician diagnoses using Cohen’s kappa.

Results: As hypothesized, significantly fewer patients received EDNOS diagnoses from researchers under DSM-5 (n = 14; 33%) versus DSM-IV (n = 30; 71%), p = .003. Clinicians also conferred fewer EDNOS diagnoses under DSM-5 (n = 7; 17%) than DSM-IV (n = 14; 33%), p = .003. While research and clinical diagnoses showed moderate inter-rater reliability under DSM-IV (κ = .41), they showed substantial reliability under DSM-5 (κ = .62).

Conclusion: Our preliminary data suggest that the proposed DSM-5 revisions will successfully reduce the predominance of EDNOS in this naturalistic clinical setting. Importantly, the observed improvement in clinical utility is not associated with a reduction in inter-rater reliability, suggesting that clinicians can reliably apply the new criteria in routine care.

 Johns Hopkins Eating Disorder Program Researching Effectiveness of a Research Medication in the Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa

The Johns Hopkins Eating Disorders Program is seeking adults aged 18-55 to participate in a placebo-controlled trial to examine the effectiveness of a research medication in the treatment of anorexia nervosa. Participants will be offered 16 weeks of medication (active or inactive) and weekly outpatient medical monitoring by a psychiatrist. The treatment will be provided at no cost and participants will receive up to $250 for completing all parts of the study. To participate, you must have anorexia nervosa, be 18-55 years old, be medically stable for outpatient treatment, and willing to complete assessments (interviews, questionnaires and medical evaluations) at intervals throughout the 16-week study and at 1- and 2-month follow-ups. All information gathered will remain confidential. Please call (410) 955-3863 for more information or email Angela Guarda at aguarda@jhmi.edu, or visit information.

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College are conducting a placebo-controlled trial of a research medication for the treatment of Anorexia Nervosa.

To participate you must:

• v  Have Anorexia Nervosa
• v  Be 18-55 years old
• v  Be medically stable enough for outpatient treatment
• v  Complete interviews and questionnaires
• v  Medical monitoring and study medication will be provided at no cost.

 The study will take place at the Weill Cornell Medical College’s Westchester Campus. Help us learn more about a potential new treatment! Call (914) 682-5475

Evaluating the effects of pro-eating disorder and professional recovery websites on users’ readiness to change

Researchers: Giuseppina Pompei (Masters of Psychology student) under the supervision of Dr. Ross King (Associate Professor in Psychology, Deakin University, Waterfront Campus, Australia). This research has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of Deakin University (reference number: HEAG-H 21/11)
.
Project location: The research is being conducted through an online survey as part of a Masters Research Thesis at Deakin University, Australia. 

Project details and description: The purpose of this research is to explore how the use of pro-eating disorder websites and/or professional eating disorder-related recovery websites influences users’ willingness to change their eating disorder behaviours. Specifically, we are interested in the role these website may play in users’ current attitudes towards their eating behaviours, and what these websites offers their users; for example a sense of belonging, support or encouragement in their current eating disorder journey.

Participation- What’s involved? Participation requires the completion of an online survey designed to explore users’ experiences of either pro-eating disorder and/or professional recovery websites, and the perceived importance of these websites for users’ in their current eating disorder behaviours and attitudes. The survey is also designed to explore how these websites may influence users’ willingness to change their eating disorder behaviours.  If you are interested in sharing your website use experience, either pro-eating disorder or professional recovery websites, in a non-judgemental environmentplease follow the link below to complete an anonymous and confidential online survey. Please note all participation is voluntary, and participants must be aged 18 years or over.

http://www.deakin.edu.au/psychology/research/giuseppinapompei/

Contact details: If you have any queries or concerns please contact Giuseppina Pompei at gpomp@deakin.edu.au

Treatment Study for Women with Binge-Eating Disorder.

The University Of Chicago is conducting a National Institute of Health-funded study to evaluate outpatient treatments for women with binge-eating disorder. This study is a good match for you if you are:

1) 18 years or older,
2) Female,
3) Meet criteria for binge-eating disorder,
4) Are prepared to participate in assessments and up to 28 weeks of cost-free treatment.

If you are interested and would like more information, please call us at 773-834-9120 or visit http://eatingdisorders.uchicago.edu

Adolescent Bulimia Nervosa Treatment Study

The University Of Chicago is conducting a National Institute of Health-funded study of Adolescent Bulimia Nervosa Treatment. Adolescents (aged 12-18 years) with symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa are invited to participate in a 6-month, no cost, outpatient-treatment study. Designed to identify effective outpatient psychological treatments for adolescents with bulimia nervosa. Interested individuals should contact Colleen Stiles-Shields at (773) 834-5677 or visit http://eatingdisorders.uchicago.edu.

Adult Anorexia Nervosa Treatment Study

The University Of Chicago is conducting a National Institute of Health-funded study of an Adult Anorexia Nervosa Treatment: Young Adults (aged 18-30 years) with Anorexia Nervosa are invited to participate in a National Health funded research study designed to develop and refine a family-based treatment manual for young adults with Anorexia Nervosa, as well as to assess the feasibility of this outpatient psychotherapy. Treatment involves up to 6 months of no cost individual and family therapy sessions. Interested individuals may contact our Research Coordinator at (773) 834-9120 or visit or visit http://eatingdisorders.uchicago.edu.

Adolescent Overweight Treatment Study

The University Of Chicago is conducting a National Institute of Health-funded study of Adolescent Overweight Treatment: Overweight adolescents (aged 13-17 years) and their families are invited to participate in a 6-month, no cost treatment study designed to examine the efficacy of two treatments for adolescent obesity. Interested individuals may contact Kali Ludwig at (773) 834-0360 or visit or visit http://eatingdisorders.uchicago.edu.

UCLA Study Seeking Individuals with Anorexia

The UCLA Eating Disorders Program is currently conducting a study of individuals with anorexia nervosa. We are interested in understanding patterns of visual and emotional information processing using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).  

The following are the basic inclusion/exclusion criteria for our study:

*13- to 30-year-old females or males with anorexia
*No psychiatric medications
*No major psychiatric diagnoses such as bipolar  disorder, schizophrenia, or substance use disorders
*We will allow those with depression or anxiety (other than OCD)

We are enrolling individuals with anorexia who are underweight but in treatment, whom we will scan a second time after they are weight-restored (BMI≥18.5). We are also recruiting anorexics that are already weight-restored.

Individuals will be compensated up to $125.00

The study is conducted by Jamie Feusner, M.D., Michael Strober, Ph.D., and Cara Bohon, Ph.D.

If you have any questions or would like to refer a patient, please contact Courtney Sheen: 310-206-0468 or csheen@mednet.ucla.edu

Dopaminergic Mechanisms of Reward and Taste Processing in Anorexia Nervosa UCSD Eating Disorder Research and Treatment Program

Walter Kaye, M.D and Vikas Duvvuri M.D., Ph.D

UCSD Eating Disorder Research and Treatment Program is currently conducting a study examining the affect of Amphetamine on women who have recovered from Anorexia Nervosa as well as women who have never had an eating disorder.

Who can participate?

• Women who have recovered from Anorexia Nervosa and women who have never had an eating disorder ages, 18-45 years.
• Must be medication (birth control OK) and drug-free for at least 3 months.
• Must be recovered at least 12 months.
• Must be in good general health.

The study will be held on two consecutive days on the UCSD campus in La Jolla, CA and will also include two separate medical check appointments prior to participation. You may receive up to $1000 for the completion of the study and we may be able to provide travel funding.

If you are interested in participating, have any questions or would like further information, please contact: Lyndsey Marcelino at (858) 534-8062 or edresearch@ucsd.edu.

Website: http://eatingdisorders.ucsd.edu/research/index.shtml

Are You a Parent of a Child with an Eating Disorder?

Take an online parent opinion survey (15-20 minutes) to help fellow parents of children with eating disorders! Click here to complete the survey: http://tinyurl.com/ParentExperience.

Parent volunteers needed for a research study.

If you are a parent of a child (of any age) who is currently being treated for an eating disorder, you may be eligible to be in a study about your experiences. Researchers at Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are interested in the experiences of caregivers to learn what families who have been affected by a child’s eating disorder need most. The surveys do not ask for medical information and responses are kept confidential.

How/When/Where?

You can participate in the first survey anytime before April 30th. A second survey will then be emailed to you in 8-12 weeks. Both surveys are completed online. If you would like more information, please email or call the study coordinators: Autumn Shafer at shafer@unc.edu or Sheetal Patel at 512-626-3616.

Click this link to complete the online survey: http://tinyurl.com/ParentExperience.

Who can participate?

Mothers and/or fathers of a child (of any age) who has an eating disorder. Your child must be receiving treatment at a clinic, therapist, hospital, or residential facility. If you have previously completed a similar survey from UNC or Duke, we thank you for participation but ask that you do not repeat the questionnaire!

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill & Duke University

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Learn about additional important eating disorder research @ http://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/resources-research.html

Research participants needed: longstanding beliefs and eating disorders

Who can take part?
Women and men currently suffering from an eating disorder: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS).  You must be 18 – 65 years of age and speak fluent English.

What does the study involve?
Completing a confidential online survey that asks you questions about your beliefs and eating disorder symptoms.  This should take around 40 minutes to complete.

Why should I take part?
It is hoped the study will help to increase knowledge about the impact of longstanding beliefs on eating disorders, and of how to best help those who are suffering from them. On completion you have the chance to enter a prize draw to win an ipod shuffle or £50 ($80 American dollars) amazon voucher!

What should I do if I want to take part or want further information?
Please click on this link:www.surveymonkey.com/s/hannahkelland.
On this website you will find more details about the study.  If, after reading this information, you would still like to take part then you will be directed to complete the questionnaires.
They will take around 40 mins to complete so please put the time aside if you decide to take part.

If you have questions email : hannah.kelland@hmc.ox.ac.uk
I would really appreciate your help with this.  Many thanks!
***I am recruiting for my clinical psychology doctoral dissertation. This study has been given ethical approval by the University of Oxford, England. It is an internet-based questionnaire study looking at longstanding beliefs and eating disorders.

The University of Guelph is conducting a research study on Perfectionism, Self-Injurious Behaviour, and Functions of Anorexia Nervosa.

They are seeking people with current, previous, or suspected diagnosis of anorexia nervosa, 15 years of age or older to complete a 30- to 45-minute online survey asking questions about:
Perfectionism
Self-Injurious Behaviour
Pros and Cons of Eating Disorders
Attitudes Related to Eating and Other Related Behaviours

More details on the study requirements are on the AED website at www.aedweb.org > Resources for the Public > Research Study Participation. (Quick link -- http://bit.ly/cofZdh)

Volunteers Needed for Anorexia Nervosa Treatment Study

Researchers at the Center for Overcoming Problem Eating at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center are conducting a placebo-controlled trial to examine the effectiveness of a research medication in the outpatient treatment of adults with anorexia nervosa. Eligible participants will be offered 16 weeks of medication (active or inactive) and medical monitoring by a psychiatrist. All treatment will be provided at no cost to you. If you are 18-55 years of age, have anorexia nervosa, and are able to attend treatment in Pittsburgh, you may be eligible to participate. Please call 412-246-5930 for more information.

Binge Eating Medication Study

The University of Minnesota Eating Disorders Research Program is looking for adult men and women who regularly binge eat (i.e., eat large amounts of food in a short period of time and feel a loss of control) to serve as participants for a study testing a new medication for binge eating disorder. Interested individuals will go through a screening process to determine eligibility. Those eligible will be randomly selected to receive the study medication or placebo pill (an inactive pill) and take the medication daily for 6 weeks. In addition, participants will attend several monitoring visits which last about 1 hour each. Finally, participants will complete one follow-up visit which would occur 2 months after starting the medication. Participants are paid $40 for each study visit they complete.

If you are overweight/obese and not taking any mood-altering medications (e.g., antidepressants), please contact us for more information: 612-627-1991 or anpalm@umn.edu.

Therapy Study for Bulimic Symptoms

Do you struggle with binge eating and purging? Is your sense of self-esteem strongly influenced by your body shape and/or weight? The Eating Disorders Research Program is testing a new type of therapy for the treatment of bulimic symptoms. Individuals ages 18-65 who are interested in learning more about this University of Minnesota research opportunity and determining eligibility should email:anpalm@umn.edu or call 612-627-1991 (all calls confidential).

Mental Health Professionals With a History of an Eating Disorder

If you are a mental health professional who works in the eating disorders field in the United States and you have a personal history of an eating disorder, then please consider participating in a web-based survey being conducted by Jeanmarie Infranco, a doctoral student at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. If you agree to participate, you will be asked to complete an online survey that will take approximately 15 minutes. This dissertation research has been approved by the Human Subjects Research Board at George Mason University. For more information and to access the survey, please click on the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/edprofessionals. You also may contact the principal researcher, Jeanmarie Infranco, at EDprofessionals@gmail.com if you have questions or concerns. Please feel free to forward the survey link to other mental health professionals you know who may meet the study criteria.

Eating Disorders and Intimate Relationships Study

Are you the parent of a child who is currently receiving outpatient treatment for Anorexia Nervosa?

If so, researchers would like to invite you to participate in an anonymous study that examines the experience of caring for a child with Anorexia Nervosa. They are interested in how a child's eating disorder affects the parents and family – including coping reactions and significant relationships. Few medical or psychological resources are available to support parents who may face their own challenges with respect to the diagnosis of and treatment for their child's Anorexia. They hope their research findings will contribute to enhanced understanding of how a child's illness affects the families so that more support services for parents can be developed and provided. If your child is between the ages of 9-22, is receiving outpatient treatment for Anorexia Nervosa, and is currently living with you at home, they invite you to participate in this important study.

Participation will involve completing a series of questionnaires online that will take approximately 15-30 minutes. Your name and any identifying information will not be linked to your responses. Publications or presentations emanating from the research will not include individual responses, only group data will be presented.

Please click the following the link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VN5VTDF  and enter the password: participate (in all lowercase letters). You will be directed to an informed consent letter followed by a series of brief questionnaires for you to complete. If you would like further information contact Lauren F. Stack at lfstack@gmail.com or Dr. Merle Keitel at mkeitel@fordham.edu for information.

NOTE: This research study has received IRB (Institutional Review Board) approval from Fordham University and researchers will adhere to the American Psychological Association's Code of Ethics. Primary investigators for this study are Merle A. Keitel, Ph.D., Professor of Counseling Psychology, Fordham University, and Lauren F. Stack, M.S., Doctoral Candidate in Counseling Psychology, Fordham University.

Men and Women Needed for UT Southwestern Medical Center Research

Men and women with anorexia nervosa or other eating disorders are invited to participate in a study about the neurological and genetic basis of eating disorders.

Inclusion Criteria: ages 8-70 years of age, males and females, all races and ethnicities, outpatient, inpatient, or partial hospitalization patients, capable of providing informed consent.

Study Participation Involves: clinical interview, questionnaires and short quizzes, short blood draw if participating in DNA study

For more information or to enroll in this study please email: edresearch@utsouthwestern.edu

Downloadable PDF of recruitment flyer

Research Study using MRI to examine Bulimia Nervosa in Adolescent Girls

Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center are conducting a study aimed at understanding brain development and the development of Bulimia Nervosa

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

* Females, 12-19 years old, who binge-eat and purge
* All ethnic groups

WHERE?

* The study will take place at the New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive in Manhattan.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN?

* Participation in our study will include visiting our clinic to complete interviews, games and puzzles, and an MRI scan.

* Compensation (up to $400) or treatment, free of charge, will be provided for participation.

For more information please call the Eating Disorders Clinic at (212) 543-5739 or 212-543-6072.

Contact: Rachel Marsh, Ph.D.

Email: MRISTUDY@childpsych.columbia.edu

Views on Recovery

Recovering from anorexia is difficult and each person's experience is very different. Deakin University is conducting a project looking at your experience. We are inviting both males and females over the age of 18 who are currently recovering from anorexia to be involved. This study involves you completing five brief confidential online questionnaires now (should take approx. 30mins) and again in two weeks.
If you are interested in more information follow the link below or contact Jacqueline Woerner on (03) 52278426 or email jrwoerne@deakin.edu.au
                                                                                                         Thank-you.

www.deakin.edu.au/psychology/research/jackmaster                                                                    

Eating Disorder Psychotherapists Who Have a Personal History of an Eating Disorder: Exploring the Experience of Professional Ethics

There has been little literature published on the involvement of practitioners with a personal history of an eating disorder (ED) in EDs treatment.

Study's Purpose: One way to further increase our understanding is to develop knowledge about what therapists/counsellors with a personal history of an ED experience in their day-to-day work with ED clients in terms of professional ethics (e.g., ethical issues encountered, use of self-disclosure, etc.). This study has been approved by the University of British Columbia's Behavioural Research Ethics Board (study identification # H09-02828).

To participate in this study, you must:

1. Have provided counselling or therapy to ED clients for at least 2
years, and must be providing these services currently
2. Currently carry a proportion of at least 1/4 (approximately) ED
clients in your caseload
3. Possess at least a Master's degree and be a member of a
professional organization with a code of ethics
4. Self-identify as having experienced an ED of diagnosable severity
(i.e., either Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, or Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified)
5. Be 22 year of age or older
6. Speak English

Specifically, I am seeking practitioners who work in the states of Washington and Oregon.

For more information, please contact Meris Williams (doctoral candidate in Counselling Psychology at UBC) at 604-321-1904, meris.williams@gmail.com, or ed.therapist.study@gmail.com, or access the following website:

http://sites.google.com/site/edpsychotherapiststudy/

TOWSON UNIVERSITY & DUKE EATING DISORDER PROGRAM

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Looking Beyond the Surface Acceptance-based separated family treatment for adolescents with anorexia nervosa

What is this study about? This is a collaborative study between Duke University Medical Center and Towson University. The aim of the study is to develop and test a family-based intervention that combines established eating disorder treatment components with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT has been found to be useful for other problems, but has not yet been systematically applied to issues of eating and body image. With this study, we are trying to learn the most effective way to treat an adolescent's eating disorder and how best to involve parents and caregivers in the process. Because parents and children have different concerns and are struggling with different aspects of the eating disorder, this treatment involves separated family treatment.

What does separated family treatment mean? This is a family treatment, but instead of the family meeting as a group, parents and teens see the same therapist -- but not at the same time. Adolescents receive ACT-based individual therapy and parents receive an ACT-modified version of Off the C.U.F.F. parent training curriculum.

What is ACT? ACT is a unique empirically-based psychological intervention that uses acceptance and mindfulness strategies to increase psychological flexibility. Psychological flexibility means being fully present in the moment, and choosing how to behave based on the current situation. Through metaphor, paradox, and experiential exercises clients learn how to make healthy contact with thoughts, feelings, memories, and physical sensations that have been feared and avoided. Clients gain the skills to recontextualize and accept these private events, develop greater clarity about personal values, and commit to needed behavior change.

What is Parent Skills Curriculum Off the C.U.F.F.? This is a unique skills-based program designed to teach parents skills to manage eating disorders in their children. The program teaches behavior management skills, emotion regulation skills, and anti-perfectionism skills so that parents can not only help their children manage their disorder but help them to learn strategies to help prevent a relapse of symptoms. Parents in the study receive this curriculum, which has been modified and enhanced with ACT principles and strategies

For whom is this study appropriate? 1) Adolescents between 12-18 2) who are medically stable for outpatient treatment 3) and who have symptoms of anorexia nervosa What can I expect? This study involves 20 sessions. In sessions 1-16 adolescents and parents are seen seperately; and in sessions 17-20 the family meets together. As this is a new treatment, participants will be asked to complete a number of questionnaires on the computer, provide feedback about the treatment, and participate in focus groups. I'm interested!

How do I get in touch with you? Please call Lisa K. Honeycutt at 919-684-0353 or email her at edresearch@duke.edu.

Do you Binge Eat and Purge?

Females (ages 21-45) with this eating disorder needed for a research study testing the effects of common medications and alcohol on mood and performance. 7 sessions (8:30 am-3:30 pm).

FREE TREATMENT available after study. Cannot be on hormonal contraceptive. Call (212) 543-5125, -5707, -5126 -6623. Confidential.

Earn $800-1,100. New York, NY Near Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center (168th & Broadway) P.I. Suzette Evans, Ph.D. (P.I. IRB #6062R)

Participants Needed: Online Research Study on Women with a History of Anorexia Nervosa

I am a clinical psychology doctoral candidate at Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara, CA. My research study examines various aspects of internal and external control as they relate to eating attitudes and recovery. I am currently recruiting participants who have recovered from anorexia as well as those who remain symptomatic. If you are a woman between the ages of 18-45, who was initially diagnosed with anorexia nervosa between the ages of 13-25, I invite you to participate in my online study. The Institutional Review Board at Fielding Graduate University has approved my research; your participation is voluntary and anonymous. The study will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. You may click on the following link to participate: https://www.psychdata.com/s.asp?SID=131090.

For more information, please call Summer at 415-302-5486 or email her at anorexiarecovery@yahoo.com.

Eating Disorder Therapist Research Participants Needed

University of Nevada, Las Vegas is conducting a study examining burnout in therapists who work with patients with eating disorders. If you treat patients with eating disorders or have in the past, they respectfully request your assistance with this study.

The study will take 20-30 minutes of your time to complete. For your participation, you can also choose to be entered into a raffle to win one of four $25 Visa gift cards. If you are willing to participate, we request that you go to the following website:
http://www.surveymonkey.com.

There you will answer various questions related to therapist burnout and your experiences treating patients with eating disorders. Your data will be kept completely confidential and all data will be given ID codes-no connection between your data and your name will be recorded.

University of Nevada, Las Vegas thanks you in advance for your time and contribution to research in this area! Please feel free to forward this study to any colleagues who treat patients with eating disorders.

Contacts:

Kerri J. Schafer, M.S., Doctoral Student, Clinical Psychology University of Nevada, Las Vegas, schafe16@unlv.nevada.edu

Cortney S. Warren, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 702-895-0109, cortney.warren@unlv.edu

Mary Ellen Crowley, Ph.D. Assistant Psychologist, McLean Hospital Instructor of Psychology, Harvard Medical School

Roberto Olivardia, Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist, McLean Hospital Clinical Instructor, Harvard Medical School.

Binge Eating Disorder Research Participants Needed

People with binge eating disorder (BED) are needed for a research study in the area of Boston, MA. In this study we are testing whether enhancing brain activity using noninvasive brain stimulation can improve core symptoms of BED and examine the mechanisms involved. We use repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a technique that allows modulation of brain activity of a targeted brain area in humans, in a safe and noninvasive way (an rTMS device was approved by the FDA for the treatment of depression last year). Further details on rTMS can be found at the website of our laboratory: http://tmslab.org/.

Over the study, participants receive 10 sessions of rTMS, buffet meal tests, cognitive tasks, and MRI. The study involves only outpatient visits. Compensation is up to $1,000 plus parking expenses. This study is fully approved by the IRB of our hospital and is funded by a generous grant from the Klarman Family Foundation.

Please contact us for further information: Miguel Alonso-Alonso, MD, Instructor in Neurology malonso@bidmc.harvard.edu Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation Department of Neurology, Division of Behavioral Neurology Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School 330 Brookline Ave. Ks-158. Boston, MA 02215 Tel. (617) 667-0240 / (617) 785-4517. Fax. (617) 975-5322

University of Chicago Studies regarding Adolescents with Bulimia, Women with Binge Eating Disorder, Adolescents who are Overweight and Anorexia

The University of Chicago is conducting a study to evaluate effective outpatient psychological treatments for adolescents with bulimia nervosa.

• You are needed if you are a family with an adolescent (12-18 years old) who has bulimia nervosa.
• The study requires that the adolescent and his/her parents be interviewed, fill out questionnaires, and then be assigned to one of three outpatient psychological treatments.
• 20 outpatient visits will be provided over a 6 month period.

If you are interested and would like more information, please call us at 773-834-5677 or email bulimia@yoda.bsd.uchicago.edu.

Treatment Study for women with Binge-Eating Disorder

The University of Chicago is conducting a National Institute of Health funded study to evaluate outpatient treatments for women with binge-eating disorder. This study is a good match for you if you are:

• 18 years to 60 years
• Female
• Meet criteria for binge eating disorder
• Are prepared to participate in assessments and up to 28 weeks of cost-free outpatient psychotherapy

Contact Tanja Gazibara for more information at: 773-834-9120

Treatment of Overweight Adolescents

The University of Chicago is conducting a research study designed to examine two treatments for adolescent obesity.

• You are eligible if you are a family with an adolescent (13-17 years old) who is overweight.
• The study requires that the adolescent and his/her parents be interviewed, fill out questionnaires, and then be assigned to one of two possible treatments.
• Both treatments consist of 16 sessions over a period of 24 weeks.

If you are interested and would like more information, please call us at 773-702-0789 or email kludwig@bsd.uchicago.edu.

Anorexia Nervosa PDA Study

The University of Chicago is conducting a three-year NIMH study to examine the relationship between various daily life experiences, personality, and eating disorder symptoms.

• You are needed if you are 18 years old or older and have anorexia nervosa.
• The study requires that you undergo a physical examination and blood draw, complete a clinical interview with research staff, fill out questionnaires, and then self-monitor interpersonal events, emotions, coping behaviors, and various other behaviors using a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) hand-held computer.

If you are interested and would like more information, please call James Roehrig at
773-834-0963 or email pdastudy@yoda.bsd.uchicago.edu.

Research Aims to Find Most Effective Family-Based Treatment for Anorexia

Source: University of California, San Diego Health Sciences

Released: Wed 26-Mar-2008, 17:00 ET
Research Aims to Find Most Effective Family-Based Treatment for Anorexia
Libraries Medical News

Description: Experts no longer consider the family to be the cause of a young person's onset of anorexia; instead, the family is being looked to as a solution for this serious and potentially lethal disease.

Newswise - Experts no longer consider the family to be the cause of a young person's onset of anorexia; instead, the family is being looked to as a solution for this serious and potentially lethal disease.

As part of the largest study of its kind ever conducted, a team led by eating disorders expert Walter Kaye, M.D., professor of psychiatry and director of the UC San Diego Eating Disorders Program at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, will begin enrolling families of adolescent anorexic patients in a trial to determine the type of family treatment plan most effective in fighting the disease. The trial will also look at the effectiveness of fluoxetine (Prozac) in combination with family therapy in a random sampling of the patients with anorexia. The study is likely to provide much-needed guidance to clinicians in the treatment of adolescent anorexia nervosa, a life-threatening disorder that affects 1 in 200 adolescents in this country.

"There have been few controlled comparisons of treatment options for this disorder, which often leaves family members and even health care providers baffled," said Kaye, who has published more than 300 articles on the neurobiology and treatment of eating disorders. Anorexia is characterized by the relentless pursuit of thinness, emaciation and the obsessive fear of gaining weight. Its symptoms commonly begin during adolescence, but strike throughout the lifespan, and the disease is nine times more common in females than in males.

"Anorexia has the highest death rate of any psychiatric disorder, which is why it is so critical to find the most powerful tools to work in supporting the anorexic patient and his or her family," said Kaye.

UC San Diego is one of seven international sites that will participate in the trial, which is being led by Stewart Agras, M.D., and James Lock, M.D., Ph.D., of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine. Over the next two years, the study will recruit 240 families across the United States and Canada. Other study sites include Sheppard Pratt Health System, Baltimore; Weill Medical College at Cornell University, New York; Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis; Toronto General Hospital; and Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital,Tulsa.

Patients and their families will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive "systemic family therapy," an approach which more closely represents the type of family therapy typically practiced in the community. This therapeutic approach focuses on the dynamic of the family, rather than the individual, particularly in relation to the issues that bring them to therapy. This approach views eating difficulties as arising from the relationships and interactions that develop between individuals in the family.

The second, called "Maudsley" behavioral family therapy – first studied at London's Maudsley Hospital – empowers the parents to take control of the patient's eating and rejects the notion that a fundamental psychological problem exists within the family. Parents learn strategies to break the anorexic individual's cycle of refusing food.

"We may find that different approaches work better for patients with a particular profile," said Kaye. As part of the study, characteristics and core symptoms such as a drive for thinness or anxious, obsessional and perfectionist traits, will be examined. In addition, the researchers will look at the effects of the drug fluoxetine (commonly known as Prozac) as compared to a placebo as an aid to maintaining normal weight by reducing anxiety, obsessional behavior and other eating disorder-related symptoms.

For more information, interested families can visit the UC San Diego Eating Disorder Treatment and Research Program web site at http://eatingdisorders.ucsd.edu or the study web site at http://anorexiastudy.stanford.edu. Site contact information for those interested in participating is as follows:

San Diego, CA: UC San Diego Eating Disorder Treatment and Research Program (858) 366-2525 edresearch@ucsd.edu

Baltimore, MD: Center for Eating Disorders Sheppard Pratt Health System (410) 427-3854 CDiLallo@sheppardpratt.org

New York, NY: Eating Disorders Research Program Weill Medical College of Cornell University (914) 997-4395 sab2024@med.cornell.edu

Saint Louis, MO: Washington University School of Medicine (314) 286-0076 ceciln@psychiatry.wustl.edu

Toronto, ON, Canada: Toronto General Hospital (416) 340-4800 ext. 3894 revajs@mac.com

Tulsa, OK: Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital (918) 491-3722 nlmorales@saintfrancis.com.

Self-Care of Mental-Health Professionals Working in the Field of Eating Disorders

We are conducting a survey to explore the unique self-care considerations for those mental-health professionals working in the field of eating disorders. We hope the study will provide useful information that will assist us in determining helpful strategies to encourage the practice of self-care in this field. Participation is completely voluntary and all responses are confidential. This project has been approved by the Office of Human Research Protection at the University of California at Davis. More detailed information is included below and in the Informed Consent Document.

Access the survey

Study Information

Your participation is requested for a study that will be assessing eating disorder therapists need for self-care, the importance of self-care and your own specific strategies employed for self-care. Your responses to the web-based survey will provide useful information for us in our exploration of self-care among eating disorder mental-health professionals. Your participation in the survey is, of course, completely voluntary. You can choose to withdraw from participation at any point.

Your responses will remain confidential and results will be disseminated only in aggregate form. It takes most individuals approximately 15-20 minutes to complete the survey. To access the survey, you can click on the link below or cut and paste (or type) the link into your web browser. If you have any questions about this study, please contact the principal investigator, Dr. Katie Cougevan at 530-752-0871 x 26 from 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday, or by email: kpcougevan@ucdavis.edu. Please be sure to read the Participants Bill of Rights and Informed Consent Document in full before deciding whether you would like to participate.

Study of Women Who Restrict Food Intake

This IRB approved research study from Nova Southeastern University studies women who restrict food intake currently or in the past. The study is open to women not from the U.S who are living anywhere in the United States.

Participant criteria: You must:

• Be of adult age (18 years old or older)
• Be from another country now living in the U.S.
• Suffer from anorexia in the past or present
• Be willing to participate in audio recorded interviews in person or by telephone

*Compensation: Compensation will be provided for those who complete the interview

$25 Gift Certificate

*Time Commitment: 1-3 hour interview in person or by telephone.

*Contact: Principal Investigator, Lisa C. Palmer, M.S.@ LisaCPalmer@yahoo.com or 954-907-3446

*Address: Brief Therapy Institute, 3301 College Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Trial of Quetiapine (Seroquel) in Anorexia Nervosa

CURRENT RESEARCH STUDIES - USCD EATING DISORDERS PROGRAM:
Double-blind Placebo-controlled trial of Quetiapine (Seroquel) in Anorexia Nervosa: HRPP#051027

This research study is being held at UCSD to determine whether the medication Quetiapine helps people suffering from anorexia nervosa by reducing core eating disorders symptoms. This study will see if the medication Quetiapine helps symptoms of anxiety, depression, and obsessionality, in addition to increasing BMI. Men and women between the ages of 18-65 and are currently suffering from anorexia nervosa are needed. This study involves completion of: (a.) interviews, (b.) questionnaires, (c.) lab work, and (d.) medication management. The total time commitment for this study is approximately 18 hours, which will be spread out over the course of 8-10 weeks. The compensation for completion of this study and all related materials will be $360.

To see if you qualify for this study, please contact Eating Disorders Research at (858) 366-2525.

Family Therapy and Fluoxetine in the Treatment of Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa

This research study is a multi-site study done at UCSD to investigate interventions for anorexia nervosa. Adolescents between the ages of 12-18, currently suffering from anorexia nervosa, and their families are needed. The treatments for this study will be provided free of charge and will involve weekly family therapy sessions in one of tow therapeutic approaches. Medication will also be administered throughout treatment, with participants receiving either Fluoxetine or a placebo. HRPP #051141

For more information about this research study or to see if you and your family qualify, please contact EDresearch@ucsd.edu or (858) 366-2525

Neurotransmitters Contribute to Anorexia and Bulimia

This website describes studies that explore how neurotransmitters in the brain may contribute to symptoms in people with Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa. It is our intent that this website will be an educational tool for those in academia as well as for those afflicted with eating disorders and their families.

This research is being done at the Anorexia and Bulimia Research Module, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Contact Information
1-866-265-9289
EDResearch@upmc.edu

Links to the websites of our genetics collaborations:
www.anbn.org and www.angenetics.org

Anorexia

Anorexia Nervosa Research

The Anorexia File

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is conducting a new long-term study of anorexia nervosa in 240 teens, between the ages of 12 to 18 years. Recruiting of subjects begins on May 1 and the study will follow subjects for a four-year period. Six research facilities in the United States and Canada will work together with the NIMH on the new study, which will focus on early-intervention treatments. http://health.msn.com/centers/mentalhealth/

UCSD Researchers Seek Men and Women Suffering From Anorexia Nervosa: study conducted at UCSD, in California, to determine whether the medication Quetiapine helps people suffering from anorexia nervosa by reducing core eating disorder symptoms, as well as symptoms of anxiety, depression and obsessional thinking. Men and women between the ages of 18-65 and currently suffering from anorexia nervosa are needed. This study involves the completion of interviews, questionnaires, lab work and medication management. The total time commitment for this study is approximately 18 hours, which will be spread out over the course of 8-10 weeks. The compensation for completion of this study and all related materials will be $360. For more information, contact UCSD Eating Disorder Treatment and Research Program at 858-366-2525 or email edresearch@ucsd.edu.

Study of Therapy for Bone Loss in Anorexia Nervosa: The Neuroendocrine Unit of Massachusetts General Hospital is conducting research studies on anorexia-induced bone loss. Their screening study is for men and women age 12-50 with anorexia nervosa. They are investigating causes of osteopenia (or bone loss) in the spine, hip, wrist and total body. The study involves one visit of approximately 3 hours. Their treatment study is for women aged 18-45 with anorexia nervosa and absent or irregular menstrual periods. They are investigating the combined use of a natural hormone and a medication that is effective for bone loss in postmenopausal women as a novel treatment for the bone loss seen in women with anorexia nervosa. They hope that the combination of these two investigational medications will help rebuild depleted bone and prevent further bone breakdown in women with anorexia nervosa. The study consists of 6 visits over 12 months. A stipend of up to $675 is awarded throughout the course of the study. If interested, call Erinne Meenaghan, N.P. at 617-724-7393 or email nedresearchstudies@partners.org.

 

Generalized Research of eating Disorders

Eating Disorders Specialist
Papers and Publications on eating disorders.

Doctor's Guide Channels
Abstracts in Eating Disorders Research

RESEARCH ARTICLES on Eating Disorders @ MedLine

CenterWatch Clinical Trials: Anorexia and Bulimia

NYSPI Eating Disorders Research Unit at Columbia University
research of the psychobiology and treatment of eating disorders.

UCSD Researchers Seek Women Recovered from Eating Disorders: Research conducted at UCSD, in California, to determine if the brain can tell the difference in caloric content of food even if subjects cannot consciously tell. The total time commitment for this study is approximately 6-8 hours, which will be spread out over the course of several weeks. The compensation for completion of this study and all related materials will be $150. For more information, contact UCSD Eating Disorder Treatment and Research Program at 858-366-2525 or email edresearch@ucsd.edu.