Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is a recently described eating disorder characterized by binge eating not accompanied by compensatory behavior such as purging, but associated with significant stress. A large proportion of patients with BED are overweight. When presenting for weight control treatment, they exhibit, in addition to their eating disorder, higher rates of associated psychopathology compared to other overweight patients, particularly depressive symptoms. This study will examine the relative and additive efficacy of two contrasting treatments for BED: individual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication. The study sample will consist of 120 overweight patients with BED. All patients will receive standard group behavioral treatment, and the study will determine whether individual CBT, medication, or both CBT and medication confer significant additional benefit compared to this standard treatment. The medications used will be phentermine and fluoxetine, a regimen based on literature suggesting the efficacy of a combination of stimulant and serotonergic agents in weight loss treatment, and on the demonstrated antidepressant efficacy of fluoxetine. Outcome variables will include frequency of binge eating, weight, and measures of overall psychological distress, including depressive symptoms. Treatment will take place over a period of five months, and patients will be followed for two years after treatment.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01MH054612-03
Application #
2890705
Study Section
Health Behavior and Prevention Review Committee (HBPR)
Program Officer
Niederehe, George T
Project Start
1997-04-01
Project End
2002-03-31
Budget Start
1999-04-01
Budget End
2000-03-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
1999
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
New York State Psychiatric Institute
Department
Type
DUNS #
167204994
City
New York
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10032