Theta burst stimulation in binge eating disorder (BITE)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
BITE: An integrated feasibility trial and case series of theta burst simulation in binge eating disorder
IRAS ID
274241
Contact name
Ulrike Schmidt
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
NCT04129970, NCT Number Case Series; NCT04130906, NCT Number RCT
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 6 months, 30 days
Research summary
Binge eating is a common problem which is often related to obesity, distress and poor quality of life. At present, many people do not respond to treatment. For this reason, exploring new options for treatment is important.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive procedure has been shown to improve mood, reduce craving for food, and facilitate weight loss. However, standard rTMS treatment is very time intensive; it requires that recipients complete 20-30 rTMS sessions, each involving 37.5 minutes of stimulation, typically over the course for 4-6 weeks. Given that standard rTMS treatment is so time intensive, researchers have been looking at the potential for a more efficient form of rTMS, theta burst stimulation (TBS), to achieve equivalent effects. TBS is delivered using similar procedures to standard rTMS (i.e., typically 20-30 sessions attended over the course of 4-6 weeks) however, each session requires just 3 minutes of stimulation.
Numerous studies have looked at TBS in depression and related problems however, no study has looked at whether TBS may be benefit people with binge eating disorder.
This 2-part study will look at the effects of TBS on symptoms of binge eating disorder. Adults and adolescents (aged 13+) who are overweight/obese and have binge eating disorder will be eligible to take part in one or both parts of this study.
Part 1 will look at the effects of a single session of TBS on symptoms. Participants will complete questionnaires and tasks before and after receiving one session (~3 minutes) of either real or sham (placebo) TBS. Taking part will take 3 hours.
Part 2 will look at the effects of 20-sessions of real TBS on core binge eating difficulties. Taking part will take 4 months and involve 23 visits to the study site to complete research tasks and receive TBS.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/NW/0084
Date of REC Opinion
4 May 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion