Bulimia, Brain Stimulation, and Hope

Woman struggling with eating disorders

In early 2017 a preliminary study found that symptoms of an eating disorder were lessened due to electrical stimulation of the brain, most specifically, bulimia nervosa [1].

This study looked at 39 individuals who had bulimia and did 20-minutes sessions of transcranial direct current stimulation to a particular part of the brain. This area of the brain target is involved with reward and self-regulation.

Participants, both men, and women reported that the urges to binge eat, fear of weight gain, and overall mood and frequency of bulimic episodes were reduced within 24-hours after treatment. Researchers stated that the findings are early, they saw a “clear improvement in symptoms and decision-making abilities after one session” of brain stimulation [1].

Generally, eating disorders are an illness that can cause severe physical damage to the body, and involves unhealthy cognitive and behavioral changes. It results in a maladaptive relationship with food and one’s perception of their body.

In bulimia, dopamine is altered, and there is a weaker-than-normal response in brain regions that a part of the dopamine-related reward system [2].

In scientific studies, the orbitofrontal cortex, which is the region that gives us our fullness signal, has functional and structural differences than those without eating disorders [2].

What are tDCS and TMS?

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) are non-invasive brain stimulation. It is the use of magnetic or electric fields to transfer energy across the skull and activate or moderate neural activity [3].

In TMS, magnetic stimulation is pulsed magnetic fields across the head which generate electrical effects in the cortex. tDCS uses smaller electric currents that cross the head and induce electric fields on the cortical surface.

Both methods alter the activity of the neurons close to the electrodes which have a positive and negative reaction.

Woman in hat struggling with Binge Eating DisorderSide effects of these simulations can include headaches, mild hearing difficulty, and skin tenderness [3]. More serious effects can be seizures or mood changes.

TMS and tDCS are typically given in precise doses (or treatments) and target a particular part of the brain to minimize effects, although more research is needed.

There is difficulty in treating those who are not adults with this type of treatment due to the head size differences.

Brain stimulation thought is state-dependent, or that the brain responds to the person’s nutritional state. Using this technique needs an assessment prior to treatment beginning of the person’s adequate nutrition.

Brain stimulation is less costly than other alternatives and can be utilized with traditional therapies.

How Chemicals Play a Role in Symptomatology

Serotonin is an important chemical in brain function and has links to eating disorders. A study published in the Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, fluctuations in serotonin have been seen in those with eating disorders and depression [4]. Serotonin and dopamine affect anxiety, hunger levels, mood swings, and mood disorders.

When individuals engage in bulimic behaviors, such as, binging and purging, or fasting and exercising, or cycles of both, one thing that can occur is a drop in blood sugar. This can lead to an increase mood swings, irritability, and frustration.

The use of tDCS or brain stimulation can aid in decreasing some of these behaviors and symptomatology seen with bulimia, but for a short period of time. The issue then becomes, how often does one use tDCS for symptoms easement.

Brain stimulation is the process of using electric currents and impulses to create long-lasting changes to areas in the brain [5].

Varying brain stimulation techniques have been studied for its effectiveness with eating disorders, and transcranial magnetic stimulation has, as we know, had success.

With this research, it is believed that binging cravings, emotional dysregulation, depressive symptoms and impulse control issues can be reduced with brain stimulation. This reduction is promising for many who suffer from significant symptoms.

A study from the University of Alabama at Birmingham looked at the effects of this type of brain stimulation (tDCS) on binge eating behaviors in those already in treatment for BN and binge eating disorder (BED).

They looked at 30 individuals who received tDCS stimulation, and the researchers found that the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was affecting in enhancing cognitive control and decreased the need for reward [5]. The study reported that this type of therapy could be used in conjunction with traditional treatments

Treatment Considerations

When looking into the use of tDCS in conjunction with traditional therapies for bulimia recovery, it is essential you look into treatment providers and centers that work with this type of treatment.

Woman struggling with an eating disorder in a restaurantOften those who suffer from bulimia need the break from everyday responsibilities and enter either an intensive outpatient program (IOP), a partial hospitalization program (PHP), or residential program to help break the cycle.

There is hope with new research continually coming out about new therapies and types of treatment that can aid in the recovery of eating disorders.

With tDCS as a possibility, and showing early signs of success, this may be something that can change the face of eating disorder treatment worldwide.


Image of Libby Lyons and familyAbout the Author: Libby Lyons is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS). Libby has been practicing in the field of eating disorders, addictions, depression, anxiety and other comorbid issues in various agencies. Libby has previously worked as a contractor for the United States Air Force Domestic Violence Program, Saint Louis University Student Health and Counseling, Saint Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute Eating Disorders Program, and has been in Private Practice.

Libby currently works as a counselor at Fontbonne University and is a Adjunct Professor at Saint Louis University, and is a contributing author for Addiction Hope and Eating Disorder Hope. Libby lives in the St. Louis area with her husband and two daughters. She enjoys spending time with her family, running, and watching movies.


References:

[1] Electrical Brain Stimulation May Treat Bulimia. (n.d.). Retrieved September 06, 2017, from http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/eating-disorders/bulimia-nervosa/news/20170125/study-explores-electrical-brain-stimulation-to-treat-bulimia
[2] Weir, K. (n.d.). New insights on eating disorders. Retrieved September 06, 2017, from http://www.apa.org/monitor/2016/04/eating-disorders.aspx
[3] Widdows, K. C., & Davis, N. J. (2014). Ethical Considerations in Using Brain Stimulation to Treat Eating Disorders. Retrieved September 06, 2017, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4191207/
[4] The Link Between Eating Disorders and Mood Swings. (2016, July 18). Retrieved September 07, 2017, from https://www.bluehorizoned.com/blog/link-eating-disorders-mood-swings/
[5] Group, S. H. (2016, June 22). New treatment for patients with eating disorders shows promise. Retrieved September 07, 2017, from https://www.sovhealth.com/research/new-treatment-patients-eating-disorders-shows-promise/


The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.

We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.

Published on October 14, 2017.
Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on October 14, 2017.
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com