This study will use positron emission tomography imaging to investigate the dopamine systems
in people with bulimia nervosa.
Minimum age: 18 Years.
Maximum age: 45 Years.
Gender(s): Female.
Inclusion Criteria:
Participants with BN:
- Meets DSM-IV criteria for BN
- Sufficiently medically and psychiatrically stable to participate in research
Health Control Participants:
- No current or past psychiatric illness
- Between 80% and 120% of ideal body weight
Exclusion Criteria:
All participants:
- Current use of psychotropic medication such as anti psychotics or antidepressants
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- history of substance abuse
- Significant medical illness
- High blood pressure (resting systolic blood pressure greater than 150mmHg and
diastolic blood pressure greater that 90 mmHg)
- Current or lifetime history of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or other psychotic
disorder as defined by DSM-IV
- Metal implants or paramagnetic objects contained within the body that may interfere
with the MRI scan, as determined in consultation with a neuroradiologist and
according to specified reference book guidelines
- Exposed to radiation in the workplace or has had a nuclear medicine procedure during
the 1 year before study entry
- Previous adverse reaction to psycho stimulants