Examining Common Substrates of Eating and Alcohol Use Disorders

August 20, 2014 updated by: New York State Psychiatric Institute
A substantial percentage of individuals with bulimia nervosa (BN) also meet criteria for a co-occurring substance use disorder, such as alcohol abuse or dependence; however, research examining this sub-group of patients with BN is limited. Understanding characteristics common to both eating and alcohol use disorders may enhance understanding of the mechanisms that could contribute to the co-occurrence and perpetuation of these disorders. Individuals with BN and alcohol use disorders appear to share some behavioral traits, and therefore, the primary aim of the current study is to compare patients with BN with and without an alcohol use disorder and normal controls on measures assessing an individual's mood and ability to perform certain tasks. Participants will be asked to complete computer-administered and paper-and-pencil assessments and two laboratory test meals on separate days. By probing the underpinnings of BN and alcohol use disorders, the investigators can determine whether these disorders have a shared diathesis, which will lay an essential foundation for future research to examine biological and genetic correlates of these disorders. Finally, as little is known about the treatment of patients with BN and a co-occurring alcohol use disorder, an exploratory aim of the current study is evaluate the suitability and efficacy of a 20-session cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) addressing both bulimic symptoms and alcohol use.

Study Overview

Status

Completed

Conditions

Detailed Description

A substantial percentage of individuals with bulimia nervosa (BN) also meet criteria for a co-occurring substance use disorder, such as alcohol abuse or dependence; however, research examining this sub-group of patients with BN is limited. Understanding characteristics common to both eating and alcohol use disorders may enhance our understanding of the mechanisms that could contribute to the co-occurrence and perpetuation of these disorders. The primary aim of the current study is to compare patients with BN with and without an alcohol use disorder and normal controls on computer-administered and paper-and-pencil assessments and in two laboratory test meals (a binge meal and a normal meal) on separate days. Participants will also complete self-report and interview measures of eating disorder symptoms and alcohol consumption. By probing the underpinnings of BN and alcohol use disorders, we can determine whether these disorders have a shared diathesis, which will lay an essential foundation for future research to examine biological and genetic correlates of these disorders. Finally, as little is known about the treatment of patients with BN and a co occurring alcohol use disorder, an exploratory aim of the current study is to evaluate the suitability and efficacy of a 20-session cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) addressing both bulimic symptoms and alcohol use.

Study Type

Observational

Enrollment (Actual)

61

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

  • United States
    • New York
      • New York, New York, United States, 10032
        • New York State Psychiatric Institute

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

18 years to 45 years (Adult)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Genders Eligible for Study

All

Sampling Method

Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Participants who call the main clinic line at the Eating Disorders Research Unit at NYSPI/CUMC.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Age 18-45
  • Diagnosis of bulimia nervosa with or without a co-occurring alcohol use disorder
  • English speaking
  • Weight above 80% of ideal

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Other significant psychiatric conditions requiring treatment or a significant medical condition
  • Pregnancy
  • Current use of psychotropic medication
  • History of neurological disorder (e.g., dementia, stroke seizure)
  • Food allergy to items in the lunch buffet
  • Positive urine drug screen
  • Current or post eating disorder diagnosis or history of binge eating or vomiting
  • Current or past alcohol or substance abuse or dependence

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort
Healthy Controls
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa w/ Alcohol Use Disorder

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Time Frame
Eating Behavior
Time Frame: Baseline
Baseline

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

New York State Psychiatric Institute

Investigators

  • Principal Investigator: Robyn Sysko, Ph.D., New York State Psychiatric Institute

Publications and helpful links

The person responsible for entering information about the study voluntarily provides these publications. These may be about anything related to the study.

Helpful Links

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start

July 1, 2009

Primary Completion (Actual)

June 1, 2014

Study Completion (Actual)

June 1, 2014

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

July 28, 2010

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

July 28, 2010

First Posted (Estimate)

July 29, 2010

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Estimate)

August 21, 2014

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

August 20, 2014

Last Verified

April 1, 2013

More Information

Terms related to this study

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

  • #5973/6951R

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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