ICARUS: Cognitive Training & tDCS for Binge Eating Disorder
Research type
Research Study
Full title
ICARUS: An Investigation of Approach Bias Modification Training and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Binge Eating Disorder
IRAS ID
244170
Contact name
Ulrike Schmidt
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN35717198
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 4 months, 8 days
Research summary
In the UK, approximately 6% of the population have Binge Eating Disorder (BED). BED is characterised by loss-of-control binge eating episodes where an abnormally large amount of food is consumed within a short timeframe, resulting in weight gain, psychologically distress and an increased risk of comorbid psychiatric and physiological disorders.
Computerised approach bias modification training (ABM) is a specific form of cognitive bias modification (CBM) that has been used to successfully treat mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, and addictive disorders. This technique involves several sessions of computerised training. ABM has shown to reduce approach tendencies and attention towards food cues in a subclinical sample of eating disorders involving binge eating.
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive technique that is capable of stimulating specific brain areas. Stimulating the frontal brain area via small electrodes on the scalp to alter their functioning is therefore believed to have the potential to reduce eating disorder symptoms. This procedure is widely used in research and is being applied in clinical settings.
Delivering both treatments together at the same time may have a stronger effect on reducing eating disorder symptoms in people with BED than either of the treatments alone. Participants will undergo 6 session of 20 minutes duration each, where tDCS and ABM is administered simultaneously, and all sessions will take place in the King’s College London IoPPN testing room. The central aim of this randomised controlled feasibility study is to compare the effectiveness of concurrent ABM and real tDCS, vs. concurrent ABM and sham tDCS, vs. a control condition, on reducing binge eating and food craving frequency in people with BED.REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/NW/0648
Date of REC Opinion
7 Nov 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion