Understanding and Targeting Self-Regulatory Control in Bulimia Nervosa Via a Combined Real-Time Neurofeedback and Smartphone Intervention

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of PFC neurofeedback during eating in women with bulimia nervosa (BN) using fNIRS and a 4-week text messaging intervention. Specifically, the study aims 1) to use neurofeedback during eating to evaluate the causal role of PFC function in BN; and 2) to test individualized, neuro-based text messaging for treatment of BN. Data will be collected from women with BN who will be randomly assigned to one of two group conditions (real or sham-control neurofeedback during eating and text-messaging intervention). Participation includes a phone screening assessment, psychodiagnostic assessment, one in-person assessment, six in-person neurofeedback training sessions, 4 weeks of text-message intervention, behavioral tasks, online questionnaires, and online symptom assessments (before the neurofeedback visits and following the 4-week text message intervention), and a follow-up remote assessment.