Bulimia nervosa, also called bulimia, is an eating disorder that is characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by inappropriate methods of weight control, such as vomiting, fasting, and the excessive use of laxatives. Research has shown that individuals with bulimia may have difficulties with self-regulation, which is the ability to make independent decisions and exercise judgment and control over behavior. Self-regulation dysfunction may be evident on brain scans as abnormal brain activity. This study will use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to compare women with bulimia to women without eating disorders in terms of how their brain processes self-regulation.

This study will enroll women with bulimia, as well as women with no history of eating disorders. Participants will attend an initial 2- to 3-hour screening visit at which time their vital signs, height, and weight will be recorded. Standardized questionnaires regarding current and past bulimia symptoms will be completed, and a study physician may review the questionnaires with participants. Participants will have the option of completing neuropsychological tests and an fMRI scan either at the time of the screening visit or at a later date. The neuropsychological tests will take approximately 3 hours to complete, and will include puzzles, simple computer tests, and tests on coordination, concentration, and memory. The fMRI scan will also take approximately 3 hours. During the scan, participants may be asked to perform various tasks, such as pushing a button or watching a television screen.

Women with bulimia nervosa and age, gender, and weight-matched controls

Inclusion Criteria:

• Current or prior diagnosis of bulimia nervosa
• For control group participants, no current or past history of an eating disorder

Exclusion Criteria:

• Ferromagnetic implants (e.g., pacemaker)
• Metal braces or retainers
• IQ less than 80
• Any other current major Axis I disorder, other than obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or major depressive disorder (MDD)
• History of concussion, seizure disorder, or other neurological illness
• Claustrophobia
• Pregnant