Theta Burst Stimulation in Binge Eating Disorder: A Case Series

Binge eating disorder (BED) is a common and disabling eating disorder (ED) which presents a substantial disease burden. Individuals seeking treatment for binge eating difficulties typically receive talking therapy treatment however, treatment response is inadequate. As such, it is imperative that novel treatment options be identified.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) techniques are well established for the treatment of depression and preliminary findings indicate that similarly therapeutic effects may occur in populations with eating difficulties. Intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) is a novel variant of excitatory rTMS which is emerging as an attractive alternative to standard stimulation. This trial aims to assess the feasibility of conducting a large scale randomised controlled trial (RCT) investigating theta burst in individuals with binge eating disorder, and to examine whether theta burst stimulation may improve symptoms in this population.

Binge eating is a common and disabling problem which is often associated with obesity. Binge eating causes significant distress and compromises quality of life in affected individuals. Current treatments do not support full recovery in a considerable number of adults and adolescents. As such, it is important that we explore new options for treatment.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive procedure that is emerging as a potentially effective treatment psychiatric disorders. In rTMS, an electric current is passed through a coil placed on the scalp. This current creates a magnetic field which changes the activity in the brain area immediately below. rTMS is a well-established treatment for depression and has been approved by the National Institute for Care and Excellence (NICE; 2015). The NICE-approved rTMS treatment for depression involves 20-30 sessions, each requiring 37.5 minutes of stimulation. A novel variant of rTMS, intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), is an attractive alternative to standard stimulation which is delivered using a very similar procedure as standard rTMS and may produce comparable effects in as little as 3 minutes.

In depression, the therapeutic applications for rTMS have been widely studied. By comparison, research in eating disorders and obesity are preliminary. Nevertheless, studies have reported promising results in these populations. For example, a case study involving a patient with refractory BED and comorbid depression reported clinical improvement following 20 sessions of high frequency (excitatory) rTMS targeting the left DLPFC (Baczynski et al, 2014). Similarly, two recent studies of obese adults have reported a reduction in food intake, reduced craving, and significant weight loss following 20 sessions of high frequency rTMS targeting the left DLPFC (Alvarado-Reynoso \& Ambriz-Tututi, 2019; Kim et al, 2018). Finally, studies in healthy participants reporting strong cravings and clinical participants with bulimia nervosa have also reported a reduction in craving and food-intake following high frequency rTMS (for example, Dunlop et al, 2015; Van den Eynde, 2010, and Uher et al, 2010). No study to date has used iTBS in eating disorders.

The primary objective for this trial is to assess whether iTBS may benefit people with binge eating difficulties. As such, we are conducting two inter-related studies: (1) a proof-of-concept randomised double-blind sham-controlled trial involving a single-session of either real or sham iTBS, and (2) a therapeutic case series involving 20 sessions of real iTBS delivered week-daily over four consecutive weeks.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Right handed
* Meets DSM-5 criteria for full-syndrome BED
* Overweight or obese according to World Health Organisation (WHO) criteria (BMI\>25 kg/m2 for adults, and a weight-for-height greater than 2 standard deviations above the median for adolescents).

Exclusion Criteria:

* All known contraindications to MRI and TBS (assessed using TMS and MRI safety screening questionnaires)
* Pregnancy (or suspected pregnancy)
* History of neurological disease and/or seizure
* Having any metallic implants anywhere in the head or body
* History of head or eye injury; significant health problems in the previous six months;
* Lifetime diagnosis of substance dependence, psychosis, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder
* Other primary psychiatric disorder requiring treatment in its own right
* Taking psychotropic medication other than a stable dosage of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) for at least 14 days prior to study enrollment
* Alcohol consumption exceeding 14 units per week
* Cigarette consumption or nicotine replacement exceeding \>15 cigarettes daily or equivalent.