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Gura-Solomon M, Brener Yacobi R, Kushnir T, Heled E. Cognitive flexibility in women who recovered from anorexia nervosa - a model-based approach. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 171:38-42. [PMID: 38241968 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Research findings on cognitive flexibility (CF) functioning in women who recovered from anorexia nervosa (RAN) were found to be inconsistent. This was attributed to the multiple definitions of CF and the diverse measuring tools used to assess it. Applying a deductive approach to explore CF function may address these inconsistencies; thus, we used a model that divides CF into three subtypes, namely, stimulus-response mapping, switching sets and task switching. Additionally, we explored the association between CF subtypes and the disorder's clinical measures to assess the relation of CF to recovery. Forty-three RAN and 54 healthy controls performed tasks designed to assess CF subtypes based on the model's division, and the RAN group completed the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire. The results showed that the RAN group performed significantly worse than controls only in the stimulus-response mapping subtype. Additionally, there were no correlations between CF subtypes and clinical symptoms or the disorder measures - current and nadir body mass index, age of onset, time since recovery, and disorder duration. In conclusion, the study revealed CF impairment after recovery from AN, specifically in stimulus-response mapping. The variability in performance of the CF subtypes supports the application of a theory-driven perspective viewing CF as a modular ability in RAN. Additionally, CF is unrelated to clinical measures post-recovery and thus may not be used as a criterion for evaluating recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Talma Kushnir
- Department of Psychology, Ariel University, Israel; Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Israel
| | - Eyal Heled
- Department of Psychology, Ariel University, Israel; Neurological Rehabilitation Department, Sheba Medical Center, Israel.
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2
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Howlett CA, Miles S, Berryman C, Phillipou A, Moseley GL. Conflation between self-report and neurocognitive assessments of cognitive flexibility: a critical review of the Jingle Fallacy. AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/00049530.2023.2174684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin A. Howlett
- Innovation, Implementation & Clinical Translation (IIMPACT) in Health, University of South Australia, Kaurna Country, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Stephanie Miles
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Carolyn Berryman
- Innovation, Implementation & Clinical Translation (IIMPACT) in Health, University of South Australia, Kaurna Country, Adelaide, Australia
- Brain Stimulation, Imaging and Cognition Research Group, School of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Andrea Phillipou
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Mental Health, St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Mental Health, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - G. Lorimer Moseley
- Innovation, Implementation & Clinical Translation (IIMPACT) in Health, University of South Australia, Kaurna Country, Adelaide, Australia
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3
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Terhoeven V, Faschingbauer S, Huber J, Herzog W, Friederich HC, Simon JJ, Nikendei C. Verbal memory following weight gain in adult patients with anorexia nervosa: A longitudinal study. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW 2023; 31:271-284. [PMID: 36397677 DOI: 10.1002/erv.2956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) show a moderate deficit in overall neuropsychological functioning. Since previous studies on memory performance mainly employed cross-sectional designs, the present study aims to investigate changes in verbal memory following weight-gain. METHODS Verbal memory was assessed with the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R; 'logical memory'-story-recall-subtest) and the California Verbal Learning Test-II (CVLT-II; 'verbal learning'). Included were 31 female patients with AN (18 restricting-, 13 purging-subtype; average disease duration: 5.1 years; average baseline BMI: 14.4 kg/m2 ) and 24 medication-free normal-weight healthy women adjusted for age at baseline (T0). In a post-treatment assessment of approx. 6 weeks with weight increase (T1), 18 patients with AN and 20 healthy women were assessed again. Group differences in verbal memory (i.e., WMS-R, CVLT-II) were assessed for the baseline comparisons with a multivariate ANOVA and longitudinal data were analysed with repeated measures (RM) ANOVAs. RESULTS At baseline, patients with AN as compared to healthy women displayed deficits in logical memory. In the follow-up assessment, patients with AN improved their logical memory significantly compared to healthy controls (p < 0.006). Furthermore, groups did not differ in verbal learning neither before nor after inpatient treatment. CONCLUSIONS Enhanced logical memory in patients with AN following weight-gain is probably due to the impaired memory as compared to healthy controls at T0. A survivorship bias could explain the improved memory performance in longitudinal data in contrast to cross-sectional studies. Patients with AN with poorer memory performance before inpatient treatment are at higher risk to drop out and need support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Terhoeven
- Department for General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sandra Faschingbauer
- Department for General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julia Huber
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Herzog
- Department for General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hans-Christoph Friederich
- Department for General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Joe J Simon
- Department for General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Nikendei
- Department for General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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4
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Miles S, Phillipou A, Sumner P, Nedeljkovic M. Cognitive flexibility and the risk of anorexia nervosa: An investigation using self-report and neurocognitive assessments. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 151:531-538. [PMID: 35636028 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.05.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Impaired cognitive flexibility has been suggested as a risk factor for the development of anorexia nervosa (AN). The current study aimed to 1) investigate cognitive flexibility in people at various levels of risk of AN; and 2) compare people with a history of AN to people at different levels of risk of AN in cognitive flexibility. The sample comprised of 262 community participants (79% female) and 36 participants with a lifetime diagnosis of AN (97.2% female) aged between 18 and 64 years old. Participants completed self-report (the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale short-form version, the Eating Disorders Examination-Questionnaire, the Neuroticism Scale, and the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory) and neurocognitive (the Trail Making Test and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test) assessments online to evaluate eating disorder symptoms, depression, neuroticism, and cognitive flexibility. Using a cluster analysis, participants were allocated into low-, medium-, and high-risk of AN groups (n = 88, 128, 46, and 36 respectively). Although high-risk participants self-reported significantly poorer cognitive flexibility than the other risk groups, performance on the neurocognitive tasks was similar across groups. Further, participants with lifetime AN reported significantly poorer cognitive flexibility than the low-risk group. People at high-risk of AN may perceive themselves to have poorer cognitive flexibility compared to those at a lower risk of AN. These results have implications for early identification of people at high-risk of AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Miles
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Andrea Phillipou
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Mental Health, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Mental Health, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Philip Sumner
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Maja Nedeljkovic
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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5
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Thomas KS, Birch RE, Jones CRG, Vanderwert RE. Neural Correlates of Executive Functioning in Anorexia Nervosa and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:841633. [PMID: 35693540 PMCID: PMC9179647 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.841633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are commonly reported to co-occur and present with overlapping symptomatology. Executive functioning difficulties have been implicated in both mental health conditions. However, studies directly comparing these functions in AN and OCD are extremely limited. This review provides a synthesis of behavioral and neuroimaging research examining executive functioning in AN and OCD to bridge this gap in knowledge. We outline the similarities and differences in behavioral and neuroimaging findings between AN and OCD, focusing on set shifting, working memory, response inhibition, and response monitoring. This review aims to facilitate understanding of transdiagnostic correlates of executive functioning and highlights important considerations for future research. We also discuss the importance of examining both behavioral and neural markers when studying transdiagnostic correlates of executive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai S. Thomas
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
- Cardiff University Centre for Human Developmental Science, School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | | | - Catherine R. G. Jones
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
- Cardiff University Centre for Human Developmental Science, School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Ross E. Vanderwert
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
- Cardiff University Centre for Human Developmental Science, School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
- Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre, School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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6
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Olfactory capacity in anorexia nervosa: correlations with set-shifting ability. Eat Weight Disord 2022; 27:535-542. [PMID: 33860466 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-021-01188-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to examine olfactory capacity in adults with anorexia nervosa (AN), in terms of odor identification and odor threshold and search for possible correlations between odor identification and cognitive flexibility in this population. METHODS Thirty-nine patients diagnosed with AN and 60 healthy participants, participated. Odor identification was assessed using the University Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test and a two alternative forced choice, ascending method with n-butanol was used to assess odor threshold. Cognitive flexibility was determined using the Intra/Extra-Dimensional Set-Shift test (IED), a subtest of the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). RESULTS Patients with AN presented a poorer performance in odor identification compared with controls (p = 0.001). No differences were found in odor threshold, between the two groups. Patients with AN exhibited poor cognitive flexibility compared with controls (p = 0.003). A significant correlation between odor identification and cognitive flexibility was documented in AN (p = 0.01), but not in controls. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that olfactory capacity is altered in AN: Qualitative characteristics of olfaction were affected in patients with AN (lower odor identification), while there was no difference in quantitative characteristics (odor threshold) compared with controls. Furthermore, odor identification in AN was correlated to cognitive flexibility. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III: case-control analytic study.
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7
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Stedal K, Broomfield C, Hay P, Touyz S, Scherer R. Neuropsychological functioning in adult anorexia nervosa: A meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 130:214-226. [PMID: 34453951 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Several studies have conceptualized neuropsychological dysfunction as part of the core pathology and defining behaviors seen in the eating disorder anorexia nervosa (AN). The aim of the current review was to synthesize the differences in neuropsychological test performance between individuals with AN and healthy controls, quantify and explain their heterogeneity. The search and screening procedures resulted in fifty studies that comprised 186 neuropsychological test results. Utilizing random-effects meta-analyses, the results revealed evidence for significant, moderate underperformance in people with AN in overall neuropsychological functioning (g¯ = -0.43, 95 % CI [-0.50, -0.36]). Weighted mean effect sizes ranged from g¯ = -0.53 for visuospatial abilities to g¯ = -0.10 for planning. Study and participant characteristics, including body mass index (BMI) and age, had significant moderator effects, especially on executive function, memory, and visuospatial abilities. The findings from the current study provide an extensive and comprehensive overview of the possible impairments in neuropsychological functioning in adult patients diagnosed with AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Stedal
- Regional Department for Eating Disorders, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål HF, Postboks 4956 Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Catherine Broomfield
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Phillipa Hay
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia
| | - Stephen Touyz
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Ronny Scherer
- Centre for Educational Measurement at the University of Oslo (CEMO), Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1161 Blindern, 0318, Oslo, Norway
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8
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Broomfield C, Stedal K, Touyz S. The Neuropsychological Profile of Severe and Enduring Anorexia Nervosa: A Systematic Review. Front Psychol 2021; 12:708536. [PMID: 34408714 PMCID: PMC8365190 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.708536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Characteristics of Severe and Enduring Anorexia Nervosa (SE-AN) are being investigated to differentiate the patients experiencing SE-AN from those at earlier stages of the AN disease. The current systematic review was the first step in exploring neuropsychological functioning as a potentially identifying characteristic for long-term presentations. With a subgroup of AN patients reflecting a unique neuropsychological profile that is proportionate to the quantity of patients that go on to develop SE-AN, it was the aim of this review to assess neuropsychological functioning in the later stage of the disease. In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, a literature search was conducted using four electronic databases (PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus) for neuropsychological research on AN participants with a seven or more year illness duration. Datasets that met inclusion criteria were screened for SE-AN participants (N = 166) and neuropsychological data extracted together with potentially confounding variables and information required to conduct a quality assessment. In research investigating decision-making, participants with a SE-AN presentation demonstrated significantly lower functioning compared to healthy controls. There was conflicting evidence for differences in intellectual functioning and set-shifting abilities with no variability indicated in central coherence, memory, attention, reasoning, or processing speed. If findings from this preliminary analysis are confirmed through empirical research, implications include earlier identification of SE-AN patients and more effective treatment development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristin Stedal
- Regional Department for Eating Disorders, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål, Norway
| | - Stephen Touyz
- Inside Out Institute, Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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9
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Wang SB, Gray EK, Coniglio KA, Murray HB, Stone M, Becker KR, Thomas JJ, Eddy KT. Cognitive rigidity and heightened attention to detail occur transdiagnostically in adolescents with eating disorders. Eat Disord 2021; 29:408-420. [PMID: 31675280 PMCID: PMC7192764 DOI: 10.1080/10640266.2019.1656470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive inflexibility and attention to detail bias represent a promising target in eating disorder (ED) treatment. While prior research has found that adults with eating disorders exhibit significant cognitive inflexibility and heightened attention to detail, less is known about these cognitive impairments among adolescents, and across EDs transdiagnostically. To address this gap, adolescent females (N = 143) from a residential ED program with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or other specified feeding or eating disorder completed the Detail and Flexibility Questionnaire (DFlex) and measures of ED and general psychopathology. Transdiagnostically, adolescents with EDs scored higher than an archival sample of healthy control adolescents on both cognitive rigidity (p < .001; Cohen's d = 1.92) and attention to detail (p < .001; Cohen's d = 1.16). These cognitive impairments were significantly associated with severity of eating pathology, and these relationships existed independent of age, duration of illness, or body mass index (BMI). Our findings suggest cognitive inflexibility and heightened attention to detail occur transdiagnostically in adolescents with eating disorders and are unlikely to be a scar of the disorder. Future prospective research is needed to determine whether these cognitive styles represent an endophenotype of eating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley B Wang
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Emily K Gray
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Helen B Murray
- Department of Psychology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Kendra R Becker
- Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer J Thomas
- Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kamryn T Eddy
- Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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10
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Hiluy JC, David IA, Daquer AFC, Duchesne M, Volchan E, Appolinario JC. A Systematic Review of Electrophysiological Findings in Binge-Purge Eating Disorders: A Window Into Brain Dynamics. Front Psychol 2021; 12:619780. [PMID: 33995178 PMCID: PMC8116794 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.619780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Binge-purge eating disorders (BP-ED), such as bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, may share some neurobiological features. Electroencephalography (EEG) is a non-invasive measurement modality that may aid in research and diagnosis of BP-ED. We conducted a systematic review of the literature on EEG findings in BP-ED, seeking to summarize and analyze the current evidence, as well as identify shortcomings and gaps to inform new perspectives for future studies. Following PRISMA Statement recommendations, the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched using terms related to “electroencephalography” and “binge-purge” eating disorders. Of 555 articles retrieved, 15 met predefined inclusion criteria and were included for full-text analysis. Eleven studies investigated EEG by means of event-related potentials (ERP) in BP-ED individuals: 7 using eating disorder-related stimuli (i.e., food, body image) and 4 using non-eating disorder-related stimuli (i.e., facial expressions or auditory clicks). These studies found significant differences in the N200, P200, P300, and LPP components in BP-ED participants compared to controls, indicating that this population exhibits impairments in selective attention, attentional allocation/processing, and allocation of motivational or emotion-based attention. Five studies investigated EEG using frequency analysis; reporting significant differences in beta activity in fronto-temporal and occipito-temporo-parietal areas in BP-ED individuals compared to controls, revealing a dysfunctional brain network. However, the small number of studies, the heterogeneity of samples, study paradigms, stimulus types, and the lack of an adequate assessment of neuropsychological parameters are some limitations of the current literature. Although some EEG data are promising and consistent with neuroimaging and neuropsychological findings in individuals with BP-ED, future studies need to overcome current methodological shortcomings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joao C Hiluy
- Obesity and Eating Disorders Group, Institute of Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Isabel A David
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurophysiology, Physiology and Pharmacology Department, Biomedical Institute, Federal Fluminense University, Niteroi, Brazil
| | - Adriana F C Daquer
- Obesity and Eating Disorders Group, Institute of Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,State Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Monica Duchesne
- Obesity and Eating Disorders Group, Institute of Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,State Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Eliane Volchan
- Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jose C Appolinario
- Obesity and Eating Disorders Group, Institute of Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,State Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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11
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Duriez P, Kaya Lefèvre H, Di Lodovico L, Viltart O, Gorwood P. Increased cognitive flexibility mediates the improvement of eating disorders symptoms, depressive symptoms and level of daily life functioning in patients with anorexia nervosa treated in specialised centres. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW 2021; 29:600-610. [PMID: 33851482 DOI: 10.1002/erv.2829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Poor cognitive flexibility has been highlighted in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), contributing to the development and maintenance of symptoms. The aim of the present study is to investigate how enhanced cognitive flexibility is involved in treatment outcomes in patients with AN. METHOD One hundred thirty female out-patients treated for AN have been assessed at baseline and after 4 months of treatment. Path analyses were used to investigate the mediating role of cognitive flexibility, measured through the Brixton test, on a wide range of outcomes: body mass index, eating disorder symptoms, daily life functioning, anxiety, depression, emotions, self-rated silhouette. RESULTS Cognitive flexibility was improved during treatment, and enhanced cognitive flexibility explains a significant part of level of the improvement in daily life functioning (26%), reduction of eating disorder symptoms (18%) and reduction of depressive symptoms (17%). Others outcomes were also improved, but these improvements were not mediated by cognitive flexibility. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that enhancing cognitive flexibility could help reduce rigid cognitive and behavioural patterns involved in AN, thus improving everyday functioning and clinical severity. Further studies combining different types of cognitive flexibility evaluation as well as neuroimaging may be necessary to better establish which of its aspects are involved in patients' improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philibert Duriez
- GHU Paris Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Hôpital Sainte-Anne, CMME, Paris, France.,Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris (IPNP), INSERM U1266, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Héline Kaya Lefèvre
- GHU Paris Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Hôpital Sainte-Anne, CMME, Paris, France.,Université de Paris, LPPS, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Laura Di Lodovico
- GHU Paris Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Hôpital Sainte-Anne, CMME, Paris, France.,Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris (IPNP), INSERM U1266, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Odile Viltart
- Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris (IPNP), INSERM U1266, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Cité scientifique, SN4, Université de Lille, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
| | - Philip Gorwood
- GHU Paris Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Hôpital Sainte-Anne, CMME, Paris, France.,Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris (IPNP), INSERM U1266, Université de Paris, Paris, France
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12
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Fuglset TS. Is set-shifting and central coherence in anorexia nervosa influenced by body mass index, anxiety or depression? A systematic review. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:137. [PMID: 33685427 PMCID: PMC7938561 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03120-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe eating disorder, recognized by a relentless pursuit for thinness and extreme low body weight. The disorder is often accompanied by comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression, and altered neuropsychological function in terms of poor set-shifting and reduced central coherence. The aim of this review was to evaluate whether neuropsychological impairments in AN are influenced by body mass index, anxiety or depression. METHOD A systematic review approach was used, following the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. Literature was identified via searches in PubMed, PsychInfo and Embase database, by using the search words [anorexia nervosa] AND [central coherence], and [anorexia nervosa] AND [set-shifting]. Studies were included if they were written in English, peer-reviewed, included individuals with AN, included tests measuring set-shifting and/or central coherence, investigated associations between set-shifting/central coherence with anxiety and/or depression and/or BMI. Risk of bias was assessed by using a critical appraisal checklist from the Joanna Briggs Institute. Results were summarized in a narrative synthesis. RESULTS Although results are heterogeneous, the majority of studies report that neither body mass index (BMI), anxiety or depression is associated with altered central coherence and set-shifting in individuals with AN. CONCLUSIONS Findings indicate that BMI, depression and anxiety does not influence neuropsychological function in AN, suggesting that it could be a characteristic of the disorder. A complete understanding of predisposing, precipitating and maintaining factors in AN needs to be addressed in future research. This could contribute to the development of better and more targeted treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tone Seim Fuglset
- Møre and Romsdal Hospital Trust, Molde Hospital, Parkvegen 84, 6412, Molde, Norway.
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13
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Timko CA, Herrington JD, Bhattacharya A, Kuschner ES, Yerys BE. Caregiver Report of Executive Functioning in Adolescent Females With Anorexia Nervosa or Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Psychol 2021; 11:586264. [PMID: 33633624 PMCID: PMC7899966 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.586264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Current literature suggesting a shared endophenotype between individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) related to executive functioning (EF) has several limitations: performance-based instead of ecologically valid measures of set-shifting are used, lack of comparisons between same-sex groups, and reliance on adult samples only. This was the first study directly comparing female youth with ASD to female youth with AN using an ecologically valid measure of EF. A secondary data analysis combined caregiver-reported EF on the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning (BRIEF) for 22 female adolescent youth with AN and 29 female adolescent youth with ASD. EF in each group was compared to population norms, and EF was compared between groups. Compared to population norms, adolescents with AN had elevated scores on shift, initiate, and emotional control scales, and adolescents with ASD had elevated scores on all scales of the BRIEF and were more likely to have scores in the clinical range. There were significant differences between groups on all but three scales. The cognitive profiles and clinical scores of AN females were not comparable to those of ASD females. The findings reveal a clear clinical impairment in females with ASD but not in females with AN. The results do not support the hypothesis of similar real-world EF profiles between these groups. The results encourage further exploration into the similarities and distinctions between these two disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Alix Timko
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphian, Pennsylvania
| | - John D Herrington
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphian, Pennsylvania
| | - Anushua Bhattacharya
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Emily S Kuschner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphian, Pennsylvania
| | - Benjamin E Yerys
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphian, Pennsylvania
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14
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Miles S, Gnatt I, Phillipou A, Nedeljkovic M. Cognitive flexibility in acute anorexia nervosa and after recovery: A systematic review. Clin Psychol Rev 2020; 81:101905. [PMID: 32891022 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2020.101905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Difficulties in cognitive flexibility-the ability to adapt effectively to changes in the environment and/or changing task demands-have been reported in anorexia nervosa (AN). However, findings are inconsistent across studies and it remains unclear which specific aspects of cognitive flexibility patients with AN may struggle with. This systematic review aimed to synthesise existing research on cognitive flexibility in AN and clarify differences between patients with acute AN, patients who are weight-restored and patients who are fully recovered from AN. Electronic databases were searched through to January 2020. 3,310 papers were screened and 70 papers were included in the final review. Although adults with acute AN performed worse in perceptual flexibility tasks and self-report measures compared to HCs, they did not exhibit deficits across all domains of cognitive flexibility. Adolescents with acute AN did not differ to HCs in performance on neurocognitive tasks despite self-reporting poorer cognitive flexibility. Overall, significant differences in cognitive flexibility between acute and recovered participants was not evident, though, the findings are limited by a modest number of studies. Recovered participants performed poorer than HCs in some neurocognitive measures, however, results were inconsistent across studies. These results have implications for the assessment of cognitive flexibility in AN and targeted treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Miles
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Inge Gnatt
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andrea Phillipou
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Mental Health, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Mental Health, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Maja Nedeljkovic
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
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15
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Howard M, Gregertsen EC, Hindocha C, Serpell L. Impulsivity and compulsivity in anorexia and bulimia nervosa: A systematic review. Psychiatry Res 2020; 293:113354. [PMID: 32781364 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to systematically appraise cross-sectional research that compared the cognitive performance of individuals in the acute phase of BN and/or AN to HCs on measures of impulsivity and compulsivity. The results of the systematic review showed support for the trans-diagnostic approach to eating disorders. There was no strong evidence to support the characterisation of AN as high in compulsivity (and low in impulsivity), nor to support the characterisation of BN as high in impulsivity (and low in compulsivity). There appeared to be mixed findings for both impulsivity and compulsivity across AN and BN. Results were highly variable due to the heterogeneous tasks used, and lack of replication across studies. There was no consensus amongst the included studies on the most appropriate task and/or outcome measures that should be used to study the constructs of impulsivity and compulsivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxine Howard
- Department of Clinical, Educational, and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eva C Gregertsen
- Department of Clinical, Educational, and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Chandni Hindocha
- Department of Clinical, Educational, and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy Serpell
- Department of Clinical, Educational, and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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16
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Berner LA, Romero EM, Reilly EE, Lavender JM, Kaye WH, Wierenga CE. Task-switching inefficiencies in currently ill, but not remitted anorexia nervosa. Int J Eat Disord 2019; 52:1316-1321. [PMID: 31584714 PMCID: PMC8127723 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Models of anorexia nervosa (AN) posit that set-shifting deficits may contribute to behavioral inflexibility and extreme dietary restriction. Findings from neurocognitive studies of set-shifting in AN have been somewhat mixed, perhaps due to the use of tasks that cannot distinguish shifting from other processes (i.e., learning). To more precisely characterize cognitive flexibility and selectively assess this process independent of rule learning and feedback sensitivity, we examined task-switching ability in AN. METHOD Women ill with AN, subthreshold AN or atypical AN (IAN; n = 40), women remitted from AN (RAN; n = 24), and age-matched healthy control women (n = 42) completed a computerized cued color-shape task-switching paradigm. Groups were compared on mix costs (reflecting global cognitive control) and switch costs (reflecting transient cognitive control). RESULTS Although mix costs were equivalent across groups, switch costs were more pronounced in the IAN group, as indicated by a group-by-trial type interaction for reaction times on stay and switch trials. DISCUSSION Findings indicate that IAN, but not RAN, have difficulty flexibly switching between cognitive task sets, and suggest that prior findings of set-shifting deficits in AN may reflect difficulty with cognitive flexibility independent of learning deficits. As such, task-switching may represent a promising adjunctive treatment target.
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17
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Stedal K, Ely AV, Kurniadi N, Lopez E, Kaye WH, Wierenga CE. A process approach to verbal memory assessment: Exploratory evidence of inefficient learning in women remitted from anorexia nervosa. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2019; 41:653-663. [PMID: 31060425 DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2019.1610160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is associated with deficits in set-shifting and cognitive flexibility, yet less is known about the persistence of these deficits after recovery and how they might contribute to reported difficulties organizing and learning new information. To address this question, the current study applied a process-focused approach, that accounts for errors and strategies by which a score is achieved, to investigate the relationship between verbal memory and executive function in women remitted from AN. Method: Twenty-six women remitted from anorexia nervosa (RAN) and 25 control women (CW) aged 19-45 completed the California Verbal Learning Test, Second edition (CVLT-II) and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). Groups were compared on overall achievement scores, and on repetition, intrusion, and perseverative errors on both tests. Associations between learning and memory performance and WCST errors were also examined. Results: RAN and CW groups did not differ on overall CVLT-II learning and memory performance or errors on the WCST, though the RAN group trended towards greater WCST non-perseverative and total errors. On the CVLT-II, the RAN group made significantly more repetition errors than CW (p = 0.010), and within-trial perseveration (WTP) errors (p = 0.044). For the CW group, CVLT-II learning and memory performance were negatively associated with errors on the WCST, whereas among RAN, primarily delayed memory was negatively correlated with WCST errors. Notably, for RAN, greater WCST perseverative responses were correlated with greater CVLT-II repetition and WTP errors, showing the convergence of perseverative responding across tasks. Conclusions: Despite similar overall learning and memory performance, difficulties with executive control seem to persist even after symptom remission in patients with AN. Results indicate an inefficient learning process in the cognitive phenotype of AN and support the use of process approaches to refine neuropsychological assessment of AN by accounting for strategy use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Stedal
- a Regional Department for Eating Disorders, Division of Mental Health and Addiction , Oslo University Hospital , Oslo , Norway
| | - Alice V Ely
- b Department of Heart and Vascular Care , Christiana Care Health System , Newark , DE , USA
| | - Natalie Kurniadi
- c Department of Clinical Psychology , Alliant International University , San Diego , CA , USA
| | - Emily Lopez
- d Department of Psychiatry , University of California San Diego , La Jolla , CA , USA
| | - Walter H Kaye
- d Department of Psychiatry , University of California San Diego , La Jolla , CA , USA
| | - Christina E Wierenga
- d Department of Psychiatry , University of California San Diego , La Jolla , CA , USA
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18
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Uniacke B, Wang Y, Biezonski D, Sussman T, Lee S, Posner J, Steinglass J. Resting-state connectivity within and across neural circuits in anorexia nervosa. Brain Behav 2019; 9:e01205. [PMID: 30590873 PMCID: PMC6373651 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Obsessional thoughts and ritualized eating behaviors are characteristic of Anorexia Nervosa (AN), leading to the common suggestion that the illness shares neurobiology with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Resting-state functional connectivity MRI (rs-fcMRI) is a measure of functional neural architecture. This longitudinal study examined functional connectivity in AN within the limbic cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical (CSTC) loop, as well as in the salience network, the default mode network, and the executive control network (components of the triple network model of psychopathology). METHODS Resting-state functional connectivity MRI scans were collected in unmedicated female inpatients with AN (n = 25) and healthy controls (HC; n = 24). Individuals with AN were scanned before and after weight restoration and followed for one month after hospital discharge. HC were scanned twice over the same timeframe. RESULTS Using a seed-based correlation approach, individuals with AN had increased connectivity within the limbic CSTC loop when underweight, only. There was no significant association between limbic CSTC connectivity and obsessive-compulsive symptoms or prognosis. Exploratory analyses of functional network connectivity within the triple network model showed reduced connectivity between the salience network and left executive control network among AN relative to HC. These abnormalities persisted following weight restoration. CONCLUSIONS The CSTC findings suggest that the neural underpinnings of obsessive-compulsive symptoms may differ from those of OCD. The inter-network abnormalities warrant examination in relation to illness-specific behaviors, namely abnormal eating behavior. This longitudinal study highlights the complexity of the neural underpinnings of AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blair Uniacke
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York.,Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York
| | - Yun Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York.,Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York
| | | | - Tamara Sussman
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York.,Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York
| | - Seonjoo Lee
- Division of Mental Health Data Science, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York.,Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Jonathan Posner
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York.,Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York
| | - Joanna Steinglass
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York.,Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York
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19
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Fuglset TS. Set-shifting, central coherence and decision-making in individuals recovered from anorexia nervosa: a systematic review. J Eat Disord 2019; 7:22. [PMID: 31249687 PMCID: PMC6585061 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-019-0251-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to review the existing literature and evaluate whether deficits in set-shifting, central coherence and decision-making persist in individuals recovered from anorexia nervosa (AN-REC). METHOD A systematic review approach was used. Literature was identified via searches in PubMed, PsychInfo and Embase database. The main search resulted in 158 articles. After exclusion of 135 articles, 23 articles were included in the review. RESULTS The majority of studies on set-shifting showed that set-shifting difficulties persist after recovery. Central coherence might also be trait related, however findings are inconsistent. Few studies have investigated decision-making in AN-REC, however those studies that do exist suggest that decision-making is not impaired in AN-REC. CONCLUSIONS Novel treatment strategies based on neuroscience research are emerging, focusing on targeting the underlying mechanisms of the illness, including neuropsychological functioning. Whether these functions are trait or state related could have implications for how they are targeted in treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tone Seim Fuglset
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Møre and Romsdal Hospital Trust, Parkvegen 84, 6412 Molde, Norway
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20
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Mang L, Ridout N, Dritschel B. The influence of mood and attitudes towards eating on cognitive and autobiographical memory flexibility in female university students. Psychiatry Res 2018; 269:444-449. [PMID: 30195233 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.08.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Revised: 05/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive flexibility, as measured through set-shifting ability, appears to be impaired in patients with eating disorders (EDs). Thus, it is important to determine if the switching deficit seen in clinical eating disorders generalizes to participants with a subclinical disordered eating. Another deficit manifested by clinical and subclinical disordered eating is the ability to retrieve specific autobiographical memories. It is possible that deficits in autobiographical memory retrieval extends to the ability to shift between retrieving specific versus general autobiographical memory information, a function important for problem -solving and emotion regulation. Therefore, the aims of the present study were to determine whether deficits in set-shifting are evident in a non-clinical sample of female university students with eating concerns, and whether inflexibility is also manifested in autobiographical memory retrieval. Sixty-nine female undergraduate students completed a measure of autobiographical memory flexibility, a set-shifting task (Brixton Spatial Anticipation Test) and measures of mood, ruminative thinking, and eating habits. After controlling for mood and rumination, bulimic traits predicted set-shifting ability and flexibility in autobiographical memory retrieval. Thus, flexibility deficits appear to manifest at the subclinical level, are evident in different domains, and appear to be related to bulimic traits, such as binge eating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Mang
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St. Andrews, UK.
| | - Nathan Ridout
- Department of Psychology, School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK.
| | - Barbara Dritschel
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St. Andrews, UK.
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21
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The neurohormone oxytocin (OXT) impacts food intake as well as cognitive, emotional, and social functioning-all of which are central to eating disorder (ED) pathology across the weight spectrum. Here, we review findings on endogenous OXT levels and their relationship to ED pathology, the impact of exogenous OXT on mechanisms that drive ED presentation and chronicity, and the potential role of genetic predispositions in the OXT-ED link. RECENT FINDINGS Current findings suggest a role of the OXT system in the pathophysiology of anorexia nervosa. In individuals with bulimia nervosa, endogenous OXT levels were comparable to those of healthy controls, and exogenous OXT reduced food intake. Studies in other ED are lacking. However, genetic studies suggest a broad role of the OXT system in influencing ED pathology. Highlighting findings on why OXT represents a potential biomarker of and treatment target for ED, we advocate for a systematic research approach spanning the entire ED spectrum.
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22
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Filoteo JV, Maddox WT, Ashby FG. Quantitative modeling of category learning deficits in various patient populations. Neuropsychology 2018; 31:862-876. [PMID: 29376668 DOI: 10.1037/neu0000422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide a select review of our applications of quantitative modeling to highlight the utility of such approaches to better understand the neuropsychological deficits associated with various neurologic and psychiatric diseases. METHOD We review our work examining category learning in various patient populations, including individuals with basal ganglia disorders (Huntington's Disease and Parkinson's disease), amnesia and Eating Disorders. RESULTS Our review suggests that the use of quantitative models has enabled a better understanding of the learning deficits often observed in these conditions and has allowed us to form novel hypotheses about the neurobiological bases of their deficits. CONCLUSIONS We feel that the use of neurobiologically inspired quantitative modeling holds great promise in neuropsychological assessment and that future clinical measures should incorporate the use of such models as part of their standard scoring. Appropriate studies need to be completed, however, to determine whether such modeling techniques adhere to the rigorous psychometric properties necessary for a valid and reliable application in a clinical setting. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - F Gregory Ashby
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California Santa Barbara
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23
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Neural correlates of altered feedback learning in women recovered from anorexia nervosa. Sci Rep 2017; 7:5421. [PMID: 28710363 PMCID: PMC5511172 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-04761-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is associated with exaggerated self-control and altered reward-based decision making, but the underlying neural mechanisms are poorly understood. Consistent with the notion of excessive cognitive control, we recently found increased dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) activation in acutely ill patients (acAN) on lose-shift trials in a probabilistic reversal learning (PRL) task. However, undernutrition may modulate brain function. In attempt to disentangle trait from state factors, the current fMRI study investigated cognitive control in recovered patients (recAN). Thirty-one recAN and 31 healthy controls (HC) completed a PRL task during fMRI. Based on previous findings, we focused on hemodynamic responses during lose-shift behaviour and conducted supplementary functional connectivity analysis. RecAN showed elevated lose-shift behaviour relative to HC. On the neural level, recAN showed normal dACC responses, but increased activation in fronto-parietal control regions. A trend for increased coupling between frontal and parietal regions of interest was also evident in recAN. The current findings in recAN differ from those in our previous study in acAN. While aberrant dACC response to negative feedback may be a correlate of the underweight state in acAN, impaired behavioural adaptation and elevated activation of cognitive control regions in recAN is suggestive of altered neural efficiency.
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24
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Mulkerrin Ú, Bamford B, Serpell L. How well does Anorexia Nervosa fit with personal values? An exploratory study. J Eat Disord 2016; 4:20. [PMID: 27437100 PMCID: PMC4950713 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-016-0109-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite an increasing clinical interest in the use of personal values as a motivational tool in psychological therapies for Anorexia Nervosa (AN), research is limited. This study explored personal values among individuals with AN, with a particular focus on the 'fit' between participants' values and their AN. METHODS A qualitative research design was employed in this study. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were carried out among eight female outpatients and inpatients with a diagnosis of AN or Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified - AN type (EDNOS-AN type). Data was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA; Smith, Jarman & Osborne, 1999). RESULTS Three super-ordinate themes emerged from analysis: 'Balancing Values' (difficulty finding balance in relating to and acting on values), 'Congruence and Clashes between AN and Values' (experiences of AN representing a mixed-fit with values) and 'From Ambivalence to Motivation' (ambivalence toward both AN and recovery - in the context of its mixed-fit with values - and experiences of values as a motivational tool in recovery). CONCLUSIONS Study findings support a role for psychological therapies in working with personal values as a means of promoting recovery in AN, through supporting individuals to explore AN's workability in the context of their values. Further research investigating the optimal stage of treatment to work with values as a motivational tool is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Úna Mulkerrin
- />Present address: Dublin Adult and Child Therapy Centre, 11 Sandyford Office Park, Blackthorn Avenue, Sandyford, Dublin 18 Republic of Ireland
| | - Bryony Bamford
- />The London Centre for Eating Disorders and Body Image, Hanover Square, London, W1S1HT UK
| | - Lucy Serpell
- />Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology (Torrington Place Site), University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT UK
- />Eating Disorder Service, North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT), Porters Avenue Health Centre, 234 Porters Ave, Dagenham, RM8 2EQ UK
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25
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Knatz S, Wierenga CE, Murray SB, Hill L, Kaye WH. Neurobiologically informed treatment for adults with anorexia nervosa: a novel approach to a chronic disorder. DIALOGUES IN CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE 2016. [PMID: 26246796 PMCID: PMC4518705 DOI: 10.31887/dcns.2015.17.2/sknatz] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe and debilitating disorder with significant medical and psychological sequelae. To date, there are no effective treatments for adults, resulting in high rates of chronicity, morbidity, and mortality. Recent advances in brain imaging research have led to an improved understanding of etiology and specific neurobiological mechanisms underlying symptoms. Despite this, there are no treatments focused on targeting symptoms using this empirically supported mechanistic understanding of the illness. Updated treatment approaches focused on targeting neurobiological mechanisms underlying core AN symptomatology are necessary to improve treatment out-comes for this population. Neurobiologically Enhanced With Family Eating Disorder Trait Response Treatment (NEW FED TR) is a neurobiologically informed treatment targeting key temperament constructs associated with the illness through the delivery of psychoeducation and skills training to patients and nominated carers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Knatz
- University of California San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Christina E Wierenga
- University of California San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Stuart B Murray
- University of California San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Laura Hill
- Ohio State University, Department of Psychiatry, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Walter H Kaye
- University of California San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, San Diego, California, USA
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26
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Testing the disgust conditioning theory of food-avoidance in adolescents with recent onset anorexia nervosa. Behav Res Ther 2015; 71:131-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2015.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2015] [Revised: 06/10/2015] [Accepted: 06/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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27
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Wierenga CE, Ely A, Bischoff-Grethe A, Bailer UF, Simmons AN, Kaye WH. Are Extremes of Consumption in Eating Disorders Related to an Altered Balance between Reward and Inhibition? Front Behav Neurosci 2014; 8:410. [PMID: 25538579 PMCID: PMC4260511 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2014.00410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 11/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The primary defining characteristic of a diagnosis of an eating disorder (ED) is the "disturbance of eating or eating-related behavior that results in the altered consumption or absorption of food" (DSM V; American Psychiatric Association, 2013). There is a spectrum, ranging from those who severely restrict eating and become emaciated on one end to those who binge and overconsume, usually accompanied by some form of compensatory behaviors, on the other. How can we understand reasons for such extremes of food consummatory behaviors? Recent work on obesity and substance use disorders has identified behaviors and neural pathways that play a powerful role in human consummatory behaviors. That is, corticostriatal limbic and dorsal cognitive neural circuitry can make drugs and food rewarding, but also engage self-control mechanisms that may inhibit their use. Importantly, there is considerable evidence that alterations of these systems also occur in ED. This paper explores the hypothesis that an altered balance of reward and inhibition contributes to altered extremes of response to salient stimuli, such as food. We will review recent studies that show altered sensitivity to reward and punishment in ED, with evidence of altered activity in corticostriatal and insula processes with respect to monetary gains or losses, and tastes of palatable foods. We will also discuss evidence for a spectrum of extremes of inhibition and dysregulation behaviors in ED supported by studies suggesting that this is related to top-down self-control mechanisms. The lack of a mechanistic understanding of ED has thwarted efforts for evidence-based approaches to develop interventions. Understanding how ED behavior is encoded in neural circuits would provide a foundation for developing more specific and effective treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina E. Wierenga
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Alice Ely
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Ursula F. Bailer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Division of Biological Psychiatry, Austria Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alan N. Simmons
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Walter H. Kaye
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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28
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Frank GKW. Could dopamine agonists aid in drug development for anorexia nervosa? Front Nutr 2014; 1:19. [PMID: 25988121 PMCID: PMC4428488 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2014.00019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 10/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa is a severe psychiatric disorder most commonly starting during the teenage-years and associated with food refusal and low body weight. Typically there is a loss of menses, intense fear of gaining weight, and an often delusional quality of altered body perception. Anorexia nervosa is also associated with a pattern of high cognitive rigidity, which may contribute to treatment resistance and relapse. The complex interplay of state and trait biological, psychological, and social factors has complicated identifying neurobiological mechanisms that contribute to the illness. The dopamine D1 and D2 neurotransmitter receptors are involved in motivational aspects of food approach, fear extinction, and cognitive flexibility. They could therefore be important targets to improve core and associated behaviors in anorexia nervosa. Treatment with dopamine antagonists has shown little benefit, and it is possible that antagonists over time increase an already hypersensitive dopamine pathway activity in anorexia nervosa. On the contrary, application of dopamine receptor agonists could reduce circuit responsiveness, facilitate fear extinction, and improve cognitive flexibility in anorexia nervosa, as they may be particularly effective during underweight and low gonadal hormone states. This article provides evidence that the dopamine receptor system could be a key factor in the pathophysiology of anorexia nervosa and dopamine agonists could be helpful in reducing core symptoms of the disorder. This review is a theoretical approach that primarily focuses on dopamine receptor function as this system has been mechanistically better described than other neurotransmitters that are altered in anorexia nervosa. However, those proposed dopamine mechanisms in anorexia nervosa also warrant further study with respect to their interaction with other neurotransmitter systems, such as serotonin pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido K W Frank
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Colorado , Aurora, CO , USA ; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Colorado , Aurora, CO , USA
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Pender S, Gilbert SJ, Serpell L. The neuropsychology of starvation: set-shifting and central coherence in a fasted nonclinical sample. PLoS One 2014; 9:e110743. [PMID: 25338075 PMCID: PMC4206438 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0110743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2014] [Accepted: 09/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Recent research suggests certain neuropsychological deficits occur in anorexia nervosa (AN). The role of starvation in these deficits remains unclear. Studies of individuals without AN can elucidate our understanding of the effect of short-term starvation on neuropsychological performance. METHODS Using a within-subjects repeated measures design, 60 healthy female participants were tested once after fasting for 18 hours, and once when satiated. Measures included two tasks to measure central coherence and a set-shifting task. RESULTS Fasting exacerbated set-shifting difficulties on a rule-change task. Fasting was associated with stronger local and impaired global processing, indicating weaker central coherence. CONCLUSIONS Models of AN that propose a central role for set-shifting difficulties or weak central coherence should also consider the impact of short-term fasting on these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Pender
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational, and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sam J. Gilbert
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy Serpell
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational, and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Eating Disorders Service, North East London Foundation Trust, Essex, United Kingdom
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Garrett A, Lock J, Datta N, Beenhaker J, Kesler SR, Reiss AL. Predicting clinical outcome using brain activation associated with set-shifting and central coherence skills in Anorexia Nervosa. J Psychiatr Res 2014; 57:26-33. [PMID: 25027478 PMCID: PMC4127363 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2014.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Revised: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/17/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) have neuropsychological deficits in Set-Shifting (SS) and central coherence (CC) consistent with an inflexible thinking style and overly detailed processing style, respectively. This study investigates brain activation during SS and CC tasks in patients with AN and tests whether this activation is a biomarker that predicts response to treatment. METHODS FMRI data were collected from 21 females with AN while performing an SS task (the Wisconsin Card Sort) and a CC task (embedded figures), and used to predict outcome following 16 weeks of treatment (either 16 weeks of cognitive behavioral therapy or 8 weeks cognitive remediation therapy followed by 8 weeks of cognitive behavioral therapy). RESULTS Significant activation during the SS task included bilateral dorsolateral and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex and left anterior middle frontal gyrus. Higher scores on the neuropsychological test of SS (measured outside the scanner at baseline) were correlated with greater DLPFC and VLPFC/insula activation. Improvements in SS following treatment were significantly predicted by a combination of low VLPFC/insula and high anterior middle frontal activation (R squared = .68, p = .001). For the CC task, visual and parietal cortical areas were activated, but were not significantly correlated with neuropsychological measures of CC and did not predict outcome. CONCLUSION Cognitive flexibility requires the support of several prefrontal cortex resources. As previous studies suggest that the VLPFC is important for selecting context-appropriate responses, patients who have difficulties with this skill may benefit the most from cognitive therapy with or without cognitive remediation therapy. The ability to sustain inhibition of an unwanted response, subserved by the anterior middle frontal gyrus, is a cognitive feature that predicts favorable outcome to cognitive treatment. CC deficits may not be an effective predictor of clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Garrett
- Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research,Stanford Eating Disorders Research Program,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine
| | - James Lock
- Stanford Eating Disorders Research Program,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine
| | - Nandini Datta
- Stanford Eating Disorders Research Program,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine
| | - Judy Beenhaker
- Stanford Eating Disorders Research Program,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine
| | - Shelli R. Kesler
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine
| | - Allan L. Reiss
- Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine
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Bolton HM, Burgess PW, Gilbert SJ, Serpell L. Increased set shifting costs in fasted healthy volunteers. PLoS One 2014; 9:e101946. [PMID: 25025179 PMCID: PMC4099008 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0101946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 06/13/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated the impact of temporary food restriction on a set shifting task requiring participants to judge clusters of pictures against a frequently changing rule. 60 healthy female participants underwent two testing sessions: once after fasting for 16 hours and once in a satiated state. Participants also completed a battery of questionnaires (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]; Persistence, Perseveration and Perfectionism Questionnaire [PPPQ-22]; and Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire [EDE-Q6]). Set shifting costs were significantly increased after fasting; this effect was independent of self-reported mood and perseveration. Furthermore, higher levels of weight concern predicted a general performance decrement under conditions of fasting. We conclude that relatively short periods of fasting can lead to set shifting impairments. This finding may have relevance to studies of development, individual differences, and the interpretation of psychometric tests. It also could have implications for understanding the etiology and maintenance of eating disorders, in which impaired set shifting has been implicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather M. Bolton
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Bethlem Royal Hospital, Beckenham, United Kingdom
| | - Paul W. Burgess
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sam J. Gilbert
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy Serpell
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- North East London NHS Foundation Trust, Porters Avenue Health Centre, Dagenham, Essex, United Kingdom
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Lindner SE, Fichter MM, Quadflieg N. Set-Shifting and its Relation to Clinical and Personality Variables in Full Recovery of Anorexia Nervosa. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW 2014; 22:252-9. [DOI: 10.1002/erv.2293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Manfred M. Fichter
- Department of Psychiatry; University of Munich (LMU); Munich Germany
- Schoen Hospital Roseneck for Behavioral Medicine; Prien Germany
| | - Norbert Quadflieg
- Department of Psychiatry; University of Munich (LMU); Munich Germany
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Filoteo JV, Paul EJ, Ashby FG, Frank GKW, Helie S, Rockwell R, Bischoff-Grethe A, Wierenga C, Kaye WH. Simulating category learning and set shifting deficits in patients weight-restored from anorexia nervosa. Neuropsychology 2014; 28:741-51. [PMID: 24799291 DOI: 10.1037/neu0000055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine set shifting in a group of women previously diagnosed with anorexia nervosa who are now weight-restored (AN-WR) and then apply a biologically based computational model (Competition between Verbal and Implicit Systems [COVIS]) to simulate the pattern of category learning and set shifting performances observed. METHOD Nineteen AN-WR women and 35 control women (CW) were administered an explicit category learning task that required rule acquisition and then a set shift following a rule change. COVIS was first fit to the behavioral results of the controls and then parameters of the model theoretically relevant to AN were altered to mimic the behavioral results. RESULTS Relative to CW, the AN-WR group displayed steeper learning curves (i.e., hyper learning) before the rule shift, but greater difficulty in learning the new categories after the rule shift (i.e., a deficit in set shifting). Hyper learning and set shifting deficits in the AN-WR group were not associated and differentially correlated with clinical measures. Hyper learning in the AN-WR group was simulated by increasing the model parameter that represents sensitivity to negative feedback (δ parameter), whereas the deficit in set shifting was simulated by altering the parameters that represent changes in rule selection and flexibility (λ and γ parameters, respectively). CONCLUSIONS These simulations suggest that multiple factors can impact category learning and set shifting in AN-WR individuals (e.g., alterations in sensitivity to negative feedback, rule selection deficits, and inflexibility) and provide an important starting point to further investigate this pervasive deficit in adult AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Vincent Filoteo
- Psychology and Research Service, Veterans Administration San Diego Healthcare System
| | - Erick J Paul
- Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
| | - F Gregory Ashby
- Department of Psychology, University of California Santa Barbara
| | - Guido K W Frank
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
| | | | | | | | | | - Walter H Kaye
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego
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Wierenga C, Bischoff-Grethe A, Melrose AJ, Grenesko-Stevens E, Irvine Z, Wagner A, Simmons A, Matthews S, Yau WYW, Fennema-Notestine C, Kaye WH. Altered BOLD response during inhibitory and error processing in adolescents with anorexia nervosa. PLoS One 2014; 9:e92017. [PMID: 24651705 PMCID: PMC3961291 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0092017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2013] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) are often cognitively rigid and behaviorally over-controlled. We previously showed that adult females recovered from AN relative to healthy comparison females had less prefrontal activation during an inhibition task, which suggested a functional brain correlate of altered inhibitory processing in individuals recovered from AN. However, the degree to which these functional brain alterations are related to disease state and whether error processing is altered in AN individuals is unknown. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In the current study, ill adolescent AN females (n = 11) and matched healthy comparison adolescents (CA) with no history of an eating disorder (n = 12) performed a validated stop signal task (SST) during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to explore differences in error and inhibitory processing. The groups did not differ on sociodemographic variables or on SST performance. During inhibitory processing, a significant group x difficulty (hard, easy) interaction was detected in the right dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), right middle frontal gyrus (MFG), and left posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), which was characterized by less activation in AN compared to CA participants during hard trials. During error processing, a significant group x accuracy (successful inhibit, failed inhibit) interaction in bilateral MFG and right PCC was observed, which was characterized by less activation in AN compared to CA participants during error (i.e., failed inhibit) trials. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE Consistent with our prior findings in recovered AN, ill AN adolescents, relative to CA, showed less inhibition-related activation within the dorsal ACC, MFG and PCC as inhibitory demand increased. In addition, ill AN adolescents, relative to CA, also showed reduced activation to errors in the bilateral MFG and left PCC. These findings suggest that altered prefrontal and cingulate activation during inhibitory and error processing may represent a behavioral characteristic in AN that is independent of the state of recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Wierenga
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Amanda Bischoff-Grethe
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - A. James Melrose
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Emily Grenesko-Stevens
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Zoë Irvine
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Angela Wagner
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Alan Simmons
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Scott Matthews
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Wai-Ying Wendy Yau
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Christine Fennema-Notestine
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Walter H. Kaye
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
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Benau EM, Orloff NC, Janke EA, Serpell L, Timko CA. A systematic review of the effects of experimental fasting on cognition. Appetite 2014; 77:52-61. [PMID: 24583414 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2014.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2013] [Revised: 01/14/2014] [Accepted: 02/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Numerous investigations have been conducted on the impact of short-term fasting on cognition in healthy individuals. Some studies have suggested that fasting is associated with executive function deficits; however, findings have been inconsistent. The lack of consensus regarding the impact of short-term fasting in healthy controls has impeded investigation of the impact of starvation or malnutrition in clinical groups, such as anorexia nervosa (AN). One method of disentangling these effects is to examine acute episodes of starvation experimentally. The present review systematically investigated the impact of short-term fasting on cognition. Studies investigating attentional bias to food-related stimuli were excluded so as to focus on general cognition. Ten articles were included in the review. The combined results are equivocal: several studies report no observable differences as a result of fasting and others show specific deficits on tasks designed to test psychomotor speed, executive function, and mental rotation. This inconsistent profile of fasting in healthy individuals demonstrates the complexity of the role of short-term fasting in cognition; the variety of tasks used, composition of the sample, and type and duration of fasting across studies may also have contributed to the inconsistent profile. Additional focused studies on neuropsychological profiles of healthy individuals are warranted in order to better develop an understanding of the role of hunger in cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik M Benau
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of the Sciences, 600 S. 43rd St., Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Natalia C Orloff
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of the Sciences, 600 S. 43rd St., Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - E Amy Janke
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of the Sciences, 600 S. 43rd St., Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Lucy Serpell
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London WC1E 7HB, UK; North East London Foundation Trust, Trust Head Office, Goodmayes Hospital, Barley Lane, Ilford Essex IG3 8XJ, UK
| | - C Alix Timko
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of the Sciences, 600 S. 43rd St., Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
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Lozano-Serra E, Andrés-Perpiña S, Lázaro-García L, Castro-Fornieles J. Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa: cognitive performance after weight recovery. J Psychosom Res 2014; 76:6-11. [PMID: 24360134 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2013.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2013] [Revised: 10/16/2013] [Accepted: 10/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although there is no definitive consensus on the impairment of neuropsychological functions, most studies of adults with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) find impaired functioning in cognitive domains such as visual-spatial abilities. The objective of this study is to assess the cognitive functions in adolescents with AN before and after weight recovery and to explore the relationship between cognitive performance and menstruation. METHODS Twenty-five female adolescents with AN were assessed by a neuropsychological battery while underweight and then following six months of treatment and weight recovery. Twenty-six healthy female subjects of a similar age were also evaluated at both time points. RESULTS Underweight patients with AN showed worse cognitive performance than control subjects in immediate recall, organization and time taken to copy the Rey's Complex Figure Test (RCFT). After weight recovery, AN patients presented significant improvements in all tests, and differences between patients and controls disappeared. Patients with AN and persistence of amenorrhea at follow-up (n=8) performed worse on Block Design, delayed recall of Visual Reproduction and Stroop Test than patients with resumed menstruation (n=14) and the control group, though the two AN groups were similar in body mass index, age and psychopathological scale scores. CONCLUSION Weight recovery improves cognitive functioning in adolescents with AN. The normalization of neuropsychological performance is better in patients who have recovered at least one menstrual cycle. The normalization of hormonal function seems to be essential for the normalization of cognitive performance, even in adolescents with a very short recovery time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estefanía Lozano-Serra
- Department of Psychiatry and Legal Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Edifici M-Campus UAB, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Susana Andrés-Perpiña
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, SGR-1119, Neurosciencies Institute, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, CIBERSAM, Villarroel 170, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Rosselló 149-153, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luisa Lázaro-García
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, SGR-1119, Neurosciencies Institute, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, CIBERSAM, Villarroel 170, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology, Health Sciences Division, University of Barcelona, Casanova 143, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Rosselló 149-153, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josefina Castro-Fornieles
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, SGR-1119, Neurosciencies Institute, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, CIBERSAM, Villarroel 170, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology, Health Sciences Division, University of Barcelona, Casanova 143, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Rosselló 149-153, Barcelona, Spain
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Heled E, Hoofien D, Bachner-Melman R, Bachar E, Ebstein RP. The sorting test of the D-KEFS in current and weight restored anorexia nervosa patients. Int J Eat Disord 2014; 47:92-8. [PMID: 24166931 DOI: 10.1002/eat.22203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Efforts have been made to characterize executive functions (EF) in anorexia nervosa (AN) both in the acute stage of the illness and after weight gain, yet many questions remain. The question of verbal versus visuo-perceptual stimuli in this regard has not been adequately addressed. The aim of this study is to further examine EF in women with past and present AN and to compare their performances in verbal and visual modalities with women who have never suffered from an eating disorder. METHOD Thirty-five underweight AN patients, 33 weight-restored patients symptom-free for at least 2 years, and 48 healthy female controls completed the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System Sorting Test, so as to evaluate their EF. RESULTS No differences were observed between the scores of women with current and past AN. Both groups scored lower than controls on most test variables. However, while in the visuo-perceptual domain the performance of the AN groups was worse than that of controls, in the verbal domain they performed similarly to them. DISCUSSION Women with a past or present diagnosis of AN show difficulties in visuo-perceptual EF, whereas verbal EF seem to be preserved. There may be a dissociation between verbal and visuo-perceptual EF that persists after weight restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eyal Heled
- Day Treatment Rehabilitation Unit, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel; Department of Psychology, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
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Galimberti E, Fadda E, Cavallini MC, Martoni RM, Erzegovesi S, Bellodi L. Executive functioning in anorexia nervosa patients and their unaffected relatives. Psychiatry Res 2013; 208:238-44. [PMID: 23122554 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2012.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2012] [Revised: 10/01/2012] [Accepted: 10/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Formal genetic studies suggested a substantial genetic influence for anorexia nervosa (AN), but currently results are inconsistent. The use of the neurocognitive endophenotype approach may facilitate our understanding of the AN pathophysiology. We investigated decision-making, set-shifting and planning in AN patients (n=29) and their unaffected relatives (n=29) compared to healthy probands (n=29) and their relatives (n=29). The Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), the Tower of Hanoi (ToH) and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) were administered. Concordance rates and heritability indices were also calculated in probands/relatives. Impaired performance on the IGT and the WCST were found in both AN probands and their relatives, although planning appeared to be preserved. The IGT heritability index suggested the presence of genetic effects that influence this measure. No evidence for genetic effects was found for the WCST. The results suggest the presence of a shared dysfunctional executive profile in women with AN and their unaffected relatives, characterized by deficient decision-making and set-shifting. Concordance analysis strongly suggests that these impairments aggregate in AN families, supporting the hypothesis that they may constitute biological markers for AN. Decision-making impairment presents a moderate heritability, suggesting that decision-making may be a candidate endophenotype for AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Galimberti
- Experimental Neurology Institute, INSPE, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
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Kanakam N, Raoult C, Collier D, Treasure J. Set shifting and central coherence as neurocognitive endophenotypes in eating disorders: a preliminary investigation in twins. World J Biol Psychiatry 2013; 14:464-75. [PMID: 22630167 DOI: 10.3109/15622975.2012.665478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Weak central coherence and poor set shifting are risk markers for eating disorders that are present post recovery and in first degree relatives. The aim of this study was to examine these traits in twins with eating disorders. METHODS Neuropsychological tests were administered to 114 female twins (n = 53 met lifetime DSM-IV eating disorder criteria, n = 19 non-eating disorder cotwins and n = 42 controls). Within pair correlations for monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins were calculated and generalised estimating equations (GEE) compared probands, with non-eating disorder cotwins and controls. RESULTS The genetic basis was highest for the central coherence tasks (Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Task: MZ twins r = 0.44 [CI: 0.07-0.70, P = 0.01] and Group Embedded Figures Test: MZ twins r = 0.58 [CI: 0.26-0.79, P = 0.00]). Poor set shifting was related to obsessive compulsive symptoms in both individuals with eating disorders and their non-eating disorder cotwins (r = 0.2-0.5). CONCLUSION Set shifting abilities and central coherence appear to be endophenotypes associated with eating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Kanakam
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychological Medicine, Section of Eating Disorders, London, UK.
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Abstract
Verbal fluency performance is commonly evaluated in clinical neuropsychology, in particular for assessment of executive functioning. Fluency is usually assessed by the person's ability to produce as many words as possible from a given cue within a specific timeframe. The cues are typically phonemic, e.g. words beginning with a specific letter, or semantic, e.g. words within a given category. Important components underlying fluency performance include clustering (the production of words within subcategories) and switching (the switch between clusters). Previous studies have demonstrated good performance on verbal fluency tasks in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), but have not investigated the underlying components of this performance. The aim of the present study was to compare phonemic fluency performance in patients with AN to healthy controls (HC) and to investigate the use of clustering and switching in the two groups. Fifty-two patients with AN were compared with 37 HC on a phonemic fluency task. The patient group produced more words in total but the results were not significantly different compared to the HC sample. There were no differences between the two groups with regard to clustering, but patients with AN performed significantly more switches. In addition, switching was significantly more related to total output score in the patient sample. In contrast with previous studies of other areas of cognitive flexibility in AN, patients with AN appear to have good verbal set-shifting skills.
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Calderoni S, Muratori F, Leggero C, Narzisi A, Apicella F, Balottin U, Carigi T, Maestro S, Fabbro F, Urgesi C. Neuropsychological functioning in children and adolescents with restrictive-type anorexia nervosa: An in-depth investigation with NEPSY–II. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2013; 35:167-79. [DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2012.760536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Fitzpatrick KK, Darcy A, Colborn D, Gudorf C, Lock J. Set-shifting among adolescents with anorexia nervosa. Int J Eat Disord 2012; 45:909-12. [PMID: 22692985 PMCID: PMC5381516 DOI: 10.1002/eat.22027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Set-shifting difficulties are documented for adults with anorexia nervosa (AN). However, AN typically onsets in adolescents and it is unclear if set-shifting difficulties are a result of chronic AN or present earlier in its course. This study examined whether adolescents with short duration AN demonstrated set-shifting difficulties compared to healthy controls (HC). METHOD Data on set-shifting collected from the Delis-Kaplan executive functioning system and Wisconsin card sort task (WCST) as well as eating psychopathology were collected from 32 adolescent inpatients with AN and compared with those from 22 HCs. RESULTS There were no differences in set-shifting in adolescents with AN compared to HCs on most measures. DISCUSSION The findings suggest that set-shifting difficulties in AN may be a consequence of AN. Future studies should explore set-shifting difficulties in a larger sample of adolescents with the AN to determine if there is sub-set of adolescents with these difficulties and determine any relationship of set-shifting to the development of a chronic from of AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Kara Fitzpatrick
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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Koyama KI, Asakawa A, Nakahara T, Amitani H, Amitani M, Saito M, Taruno Y, Zoshiki T, Cheng KC, Yasuhara D, Inui A. Intelligence quotient and cognitive functions in severe restricting-type anorexia nervosa before and after weight gain. Nutrition 2012; 28:1132-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2012.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2011] [Revised: 03/01/2012] [Accepted: 03/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Lindner SE, Fichter MM, Quadflieg N. Decision-making and planning in full recovery of anorexia nervosa. Int J Eat Disord 2012; 45:866-75. [PMID: 22552824 DOI: 10.1002/eat.22025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Based on findings of persisting neuropsychological impairments in women recovered from anorexia nervosa (rec AN), this study examined decision-making and planning, for achieving a desired goal, as central executive functions in a large sample of rec AN. The definition of recovery included physiological, behavioral, and psychological variables. METHOD A total of 100 rec AN women were compared to 100 healthy women, 1:1 matched for age and educational level. Decision-making was assessed with the Iowa Gambling Task and planning with the Tower of London. Expert interviews and self-ratings were used for assessing the inclusion/exclusion criteria and control variables. RESULTS Compared to healthy controls, rec AN women were better in decision-making and worse in planning even after considering control variables. DISCUSSION This study does not support results from other studies showing that rec AN participants perform better in decision-making. Results from this study show that planning is impaired even after full recovery from AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne E Lindner
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
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Danner UN, Sanders N, Smeets PAM, van Meer F, Adan RAH, Hoek HW, van Elburg AA. Neuropsychological weaknesses in anorexia nervosa: set-shifting, central coherence, and decision making in currently ill and recovered women. Int J Eat Disord 2012; 45:685-94. [PMID: 22331528 DOI: 10.1002/eat.22007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/31/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to examine set-shifting, central coherence, and decision making in women currently ill with anorexia nervosa (AN), women recovered from AN, and healthy control women. We aim to test whether these neuropsychological weaknesses persist after recovery, and explore relations between the impairments RESULTS Compared to control women, ill and recovered women showed poor set-shifting and decision making. There were strong correlations between set-shifting and central coherence in the ill and recovered women. Decision making did not correlate with the other measures. DISCUSSION The present findings suggest that impaired set-shifting and decision making are stable traits in women with AN. Because individual differences within these groups were large, a rigid thinking style is only present in a (sub)population of ill and recovered women. Decision-making performance is not related to a rigid thinking style, but further research in this area is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Unna N Danner
- Altrecht Eating Disorders Rintveld, Altrecht Mental Health Institute, The Netherlands.
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Cognitive flexibility in juvenile anorexia nervosa patients before and after weight recovery. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2012; 119:1047-57. [PMID: 22644538 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-012-0821-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2012] [Accepted: 05/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Galimberti E, Martoni RM, Cavallini MC, Erzegovesi S, Bellodi L. Motor inhibition and cognitive flexibility in eating disorder subtypes. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2012; 36:307-12. [PMID: 22079108 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2011.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2011] [Revised: 10/20/2011] [Accepted: 10/26/2011] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Anorexia Nervosa (AN) and Bulimia Nervosa (BN) are complex Eating Disorders (EDs). Even if are considered two different diagnostic categories, they share clinical relevant characteristics. The evaluation of neurocognitive functions, using standardized neuropsychological assessment, could be a interesting approach to better understand differences and similarities between diagnostic categories and clinical subtypes in EDs thus improving our knowledge of the pathophisiology of EDs spectrum. This study explored cognitive flexibility and motor inhibition in patients with AN considering both Restricter and Binge/Purge subtypes, patients with BN and healthy comparisons subjects (HC). Intra-Extra Dimentional Set shifting Test and Stop Signal Task, selected from CANTAB battery, were administered to analyzed set-shifting and motor inhibition respectively. AN patients showed a deficient motor inhibition compared to HC, while no evidence for impaired motor inhibition was found in BN patients; a significant relationship between commission errors in the Stop Signal Task and attentional impulsiveness was found. Moreover, no difference in set-shifting abilities was found comparing all clinician groups and HC. So our results indicated no cognitive impairment in these two cognitive functions in BN patients, while AN and BN showed different performances in motor inhibition. A similar cognitive profile was found in other obsessive compulsive spectrum disorders. Finally, the paper suggests a new interactive approach for the study of cognitive profile in psychiatric disorders; it might be more useful since it is more closely related to the executive functions complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Galimberti
- Experimental Neurology Institute, INSPE, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Italy.
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Shott ME, Filoteo JV, Jappe LM, Pryor T, Maddox WT, Rollin MDH, Hagman JO, Frank GKW. Altered implicit category learning in anorexia nervosa. Neuropsychology 2011; 26:191-201. [PMID: 22201300 DOI: 10.1037/a0026771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recent research has identified specific cognitive deficits in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), including impairment in executive functioning and attention. Another such cognitive process, implicit category learning has been less studied in AN. This study examined whether implicit category learning is impaired in AN. METHOD Twenty-one women diagnosed with AN and 19 control women (CW) were administered an implicit category learning task in which they were asked to categorize simple perceptual stimuli (Gabor patches) into one of two categories. Category membership was based on a linear integration (i.e., an implicit task) of two stimulus dimensions (orientation and spatial frequency of the stimulus). RESULTS AN individuals were less accurate on implicit category learning relative to age-matched CW. Model-based analyses indicated that, even when AN individuals used the appropriate (i.e., implicit) strategy they were still impaired relative to CW who also used the same strategy. In addition, task performance in AN patients was worse the higher they were in self-reported novelty seeking and the lower they were in sensitivity to punishment. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that AN patients have implicit category learning deficits, and given this type of learning is thought to be mediated by striatal dopamine pathways, AN patients may have deficits in these neural systems. The finding of significant correlations with novelty seeking and sensitivity to punishment suggests that feedback sensitivity is related to implicit learning in AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Shott
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado, Denver, CO, USA
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Abbate-Daga G, Buzzichelli S, Amianto F, Rocca G, Marzola E, McClintock SM, Fassino S. Cognitive flexibility in verbal and nonverbal domains and decision making in anorexia nervosa patients: a pilot study. BMC Psychiatry 2011; 11:162. [PMID: 21982555 PMCID: PMC3199238 DOI: 10.1186/1471-244x-11-162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2011] [Accepted: 10/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This paper aimed to investigate cognitive rigidity and decision making impairments in patients diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa Restrictive type (AN-R), assessing also verbal components. METHODS Thirty patients with AN-R were compared with thirty age-matched healthy controls (HC). All participants completed a comprehensive neuropsychological battery comprised of the Trail Making Test, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Hayling Sentence Completion Task, and the Iowa Gambling Task. The Beck Depression Inventory was administered to evaluate depressive symptomatology. The influence of both illness duration and neuropsychological variables was considered. Body Mass Index (BMI), years of education, and depression severity were considered as covariates in statistical analyses. RESULTS The AN-R group showed poorer performance on all neuropsychological tests. There was a positive correlation between illness duration and the Hayling Sentence Completion Task Net score, and number of completion answers in part B. There was a partial effect of years of education and BMI on neuropsychological test performance. Response inhibition processes and verbal fluency impairment were not associated with BMI and years of education, but were associated with depression severity. CONCLUSIONS These data provide evidence that patients with AN-R have cognitive rigidity in both verbal and non-verbal domains. The role of the impairment on verbal domains should be considered in treatment. Further research is warranted to better understand the relationship between illness state and cognitive rigidity and impaired decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Abbate-Daga
- Eating Disorders Center, Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Italy.
| | - Sara Buzzichelli
- Eating Disorders Center, Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Federico Amianto
- Eating Disorders Center, Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Rocca
- Eating Disorders Center, Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Enrica Marzola
- Eating Disorders Center, Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Shawn M McClintock
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Psychiatry Dallas, Texas, USA,New York State Psychiatric Institute/Columbia University, Psychiatry New York, New York, USA
| | - Secondo Fassino
- Eating Disorders Center, Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Italy
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Konstantakopoulos G, Tchanturia K, Surguladze SA, David AS. Insight in eating disorders: clinical and cognitive correlates. Psychol Med 2011; 41:1951-1961. [PMID: 21211101 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291710002539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to explore the extent of lack of insight and its components in eating disorders (EDs) and to investigate the relationship between insight and clinical and cognitive characteristics in this group. METHOD Seventy-five participants were enrolled in the study: 25 with anorexia nervosa (AN), 15 with bulimia nervosa (BN) and 35 healthy controls (HC). Insight was assessed with a modified version of the Schedule for the Assessment of Insight for EDs (SAI-ED) and multi-dimensional scaling (MDS) analysis was used to clarify the internal structure of the scale. Neuropsychological tests included the Trail Making Test (TMT), the Brixton Test and a Verbal Fluency Task. RESULTS Only a subgroup of AN patients (24%) had severe impairment of insight. Patients with the restricting type of AN (AN-R) had poorer overall insight than patients with the binge-purge type of the disorder (AN-B/P). More of the ED patients displayed a deliberate denial of illness rather than a lack of awareness of the illness. A regression model revealed that only performance in part B of the TMT (TMT-B) was a moderate predictor of insight level. No association was found between insight and other cognitive or clinical variables. CONCLUSIONS Impaired insight is a significant feature of some ED patients. Insight in EDs seems to be partially dependent on intact mental flexibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Konstantakopoulos
- Section of Cognitive Neuropsychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College, London, UK.
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