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Efficiency of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) in Bulimia

Not Applicable
Conditions
Bulimia Nervosa
Interventions
Procedure: Repetitive transcranial Magnetic Stimulation SHAM
Procedure: Repetitive transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)
Registration Number
NCT01530906
Lead Sponsor
University Hospital, Montpellier
Brief Summary

Bulimia nervosa is defined by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors (such as induced vomiting) to prevent weight gain. It is a common and serious disease for which current treatment strategies have to be improved.

The aim of this study is to assess whether a transcranial magnetic stimulation reduces bulimic symptoms in a short term.

Detailed Description

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is a noninvasive outpatient technique of brain stimulation, based on the delivery of the localized magnetic field. It is now widely used a in a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Several clinical and pathophysiological studies suggest efficacy of rTMS on the reduction of craving and/or addictive behavior in various addictions such as alcoholism, smocking or cocaine. Because of the addictive design of the BN, the effect of one session of rTMS on food craving has been tested.

These studies show that stimulation of left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DPLPFC) under high frequency decreases craving food. In addition, in a healthy subject, studies show that rTMS appear to alter neuropsychological functions very involved in physiopathology of bulimia. To date, the investigators do not know if rTMS cold be a useful treatment in the treatment of bulimia. But in the light of these data, the investigators hypothesize that a program of rtMS may have a therapeutic effect and therefore an interest for the treatment of bulimia.

The objective of this project is to assess whether a program of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) under high frequency at the left DLPFC reduces bulimic symptoms in the short term.

This is a french multicenter study (Montpellier, Marseille, Saint Etienne), randomized, single blind, two arm, in addition of a treatment already validated (prescription of selective inhibitors of serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)). The two arms are : one arm with SSRI + rTMS and an arm with SSRI + sham rTMS (placebo), 30 patients per group will be recruited.

The methodology includes:

1. an initial clinical and neuropsychological assessment.

2. 10 TMS sessions of 20 trains of 5s with 55s interval cross train, at a frequency of 10 Hz and 110% of motor threshold intensity of the left DLPFC. Fifty percent of patients will have a real stimulation and and the other fifty percent a sham stimulation. Subjects will be randomized to one or other of the two groups. During the first and last session a food challenge task will be administered before and after rTMS. Salivary cortisol level will be assessed throughout the protocol.

3. the final clinical and neuropsychological assessment at 1 month (15 days minimum after the last Session of rTMS).

The primary endpoint will focus on the number of binge within 15 days after the last session of rTMS.

If the investigators hypothesis is confirmed the investigators will highlight a new therapeutic modality in the treatment of bulimia. The secondary objectives will permit a better understanding of the pathophysiology of the disorder and ways of possible therapeutic actions of rTMS

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
UNKNOWN
Sex
Female
Target Recruitment
60
Inclusion Criteria
  • Diagnostic of bulimia nervosa (DSM IV)
  • Women (18-40 years old)
  • right-handed
  • treated by fluoxetine (60mg/j) or escitalopram (30mg/j) for at least 3 weeks.
  • use effective contraceptive measures

Exclusion criteria:

  • Current anorexia as DSM IV criteria
  • Current psychiatric disorder unstabilized
  • Taking corticosteroid
  • History of seizures or epilepsy
  • History of head trauma, cerebral pathology
  • Serious physical illness unstabilized
  • Prior use of the TMS
  • pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Somatic disease may affect cognitive abilities and brain structures
  • Loss of personal capacity resulting in state protection
  • Deprivation of liberty by judicial or administrative decision
  • Patients with pacemakers, defibrillator, neuro stimulator implanted.
Exclusion Criteria

Not provided

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
rTMS SHAMRepetitive transcranial Magnetic Stimulation SHAMTranscranial magnetic stimulation SHAM Intervention: Repetitive transcranial Magnetic Stimulation SHAM Fifty percent of patients will be included in this arm. During the first and last session a food challenge task will be administered before and after rTMS. Salivary cortisol level will be assessed throughout the protocol
rTMSRepetitive transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)patients included in this arm will receive 10 sessions of transcranial magnetic stimulation (10 TMS sessions of 20 trains of 5s with 55s interval cross train, at a frequency of 10 Hz and 110% of motor threshold intensity of the left DLPFC). Fifty percent of patients will be included in this arm. During the first and last session a food challenge task will be administered before and after rTMS. Salivary cortisol level will be assessed throughout the protocol Intervention: Repetitive transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Efficiency of rTMS in bulimiaAt J0 and J45 (maximum of 45 days between the inclusion visit and the final visit)

The objective of this project is to assess whether a program of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) under high frequency at the left DLPFC reduces bulimic symptoms in the short term. To do this we will count the number of binge during the 15 days following the last session of rTMS.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Montpellier University Hospital

🇫🇷

Montpellier, France

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