The relatively high rates of bulimia nervosa (BN) in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD) cohorts suggest a relationship between the two disorders. Interestingly, case studies
involving this comorbid population have observed improvements in BN symptoms when given
psychostimulants for ADHD. Case studies involving BN patents without this comorbidity have
also demonstrated BN symptom improvements upon psychostimulant initiation. Recent studies
have also found support for the use of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, a psychostimulant
approved for ADHD, for treating moderate to severe binge eating disorder, an eating disorder
akin to BN. Given these findings, there is reason to believe that psychostimulants may also
be capable of treating bulimia nervosa.
Ultimately, the investigators would like to conduct a large study that examines whether
people who are diagnosed with BN will have fewer episodes of binge eating and purging when
they are treated with the psychostimulant medication, lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX).
However, preliminary data would be helpful prior to undertaking such a large project. To this
end, the aim of the current study is to learn more about a) enrolment rates, b) dropout
rates, c) the applicability of our eligibility criteria, d) the potential effects of LDX on
novel outcome measures for studying decision-making in BN, e) preliminary safety data, and f)
estimates of treatment effect.
Participants (n = 30) will be instructed to take LDX once daily for two months while
undergoing routine testing and monitoring to gather preliminary safety and treatment data.
The research will take place at the Nova Scotia Health Authority Eating Disorder Clinic.
Phase:
Phase 2
Details
Lead Sponsor:
Aaron Keshen
Collaborator:
Nova Scotia Health Authority
Treatments:
Central Nervous System Stimulants Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate