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Adams KL, Mandy W, Catmur C, Bird G. Potential mechanisms underlying the association between feeding and eating disorders and autism. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 162:105717. [PMID: 38754718 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
There is a reliable association between autism and Feeding and Eating Disorders. Concerningly, where these two conditions co-occur, clinical outcomes of Feeding and Eating Disorders are significantly worse, and treatment less effective, than when the Feeding and Eating Disorders occur in neurotypical individuals. Problematically, the reason for the association between autism and Feeding and Eating Disorders is poorly understood, which constrains advances in clinical care. This paper outlines several possible mechanisms that may underlie the observed association and suggests ways in which they may be empirically tested. Mechanisms are split into those producing an artefactual association, and those reflecting a genuine link between conditions. Artefactual associations may be due to conceptual overlap in both diagnostic criteria and measurement, Feeding and Eating Disorders causing transient autistic traits, or the association being non-specific in nature. A genuine association between autism and Feeding and Eating Disorders may be due to common causal factors, autism directly or indirectly causing Feeding and Eating Disorders, and Feeding and Eating Disorders being a female manifestation of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiera Louise Adams
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - William Mandy
- Division of Psychology and Language, University College London, London, UK
| | - Caroline Catmur
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Geoffrey Bird
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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2
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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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Fithall K, Gray IE, Linardon J, Phillipou A, Donaldson PH, Albein-Urios N, Enticott PG, Fuller-Tyszkiewicz M, Kirkovski M. Exploring the role of autistic traits and eating disorder psychopathology on mentalising ability in the general population. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:269. [PMID: 37674242 PMCID: PMC10483798 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01306-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study evaluated the role of overlapping traits and characteristics related to autism spectrum disorder (autism) and anorexia nervosa (AN) in the general population, and the impact of these traits on mentalising ability. METHODS A sample of young adults (N = 306), aged 18-25 years, was recruited to complete an online study that consisted of 4 measures: the Autism-Spectrum Quotient, Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, the Mentalization Scale, and the Reading the Mind in the Eyes task. RESULTS Higher levels of autistic traits, particularly difficulty with attention switching, were associated with increased eating disorder psychopathology. Overall, autistic traits and eating disorder psychopathology were related among females, but not males. Difficulty with attention switching, however, was related to eating disorder psychopathology among both females and males. Autistic traits also appear to have a greater role in mentalising ability than does eating disorder psychopathology. CONCLUSION The role of attention switching in overlapping traits of autism and eating disorder psychopathology needs to be more comprehensively evaluated by future research, as does the role of biological sex. Expanded knowledge in this field will help to better understand and evaluate symptoms at presentation, leading to clearer diagnoses and potentially better treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Fithall
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Indigo E Gray
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Jake Linardon
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Andrea Phillipou
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Orygen, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Mental Health, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Mental Health, Austin Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - Melissa Kirkovski
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia.
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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Hemmingsen SD, Daugaard N, Sjögren M, Lichtenstein MB, Gudex C, Piil F, Støving RK. Cognitive Flexibility in Hospitalized Patients with Severe or Extreme Anorexia Nervosa: A Case-Control Study. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1000. [PMID: 37373990 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13061000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether cognitive inflexibility could be identified using the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) in patients with severe and extreme anorexia nervosa (AN) compared to healthy control participants (HCs). METHOD We used the WCST to assess 34 patients with AN (mean age: 25.9 years, mean body mass index (BMI): 13.2 kg/m2) 3-7 days after admission to a specialized nutrition unit and 34 HCs. The Beck Depression Inventory II and the Eating Disorder Inventory 3 were distributed. RESULTS The patients displayed more perseveration than HCs controlled for age and years of education, with moderate effect sizes (perseverative responses (%): adjusted difference = -7.74, 95% CI: -14.29-(-1.20), p-value: 0.021; perseverative errors (%): adjusted difference = -6.01, 95% CI: -11.06-(-0.96), p-value: 0.020). There were no significant relationships between perseveration and depression, eating disorder symptoms, illness duration, or BMI. DISCUSSION Patients with severe and extreme AN demonstrated lower cognitive flexibility compared to HCs. Performance was not related to psychopathology or BMI. Patients with severe and extreme anorexia nervosa may not differ from less severe patients in cognitive flexibility performance. As this study exclusively focused on patients suffering from severe and extreme AN, potential correlations might be masked by a floor effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Daugaard Hemmingsen
- Centre for Eating Disorders, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark
- Research Unit for Medical Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark
- Research Unit, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Mental Health Services in the Region of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
- Open Patient Data Explorative Network (OPEN), 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Nicolaj Daugaard
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Magnus Sjögren
- Institute for Clinical Science, Department of Psychiatry, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Mia Beck Lichtenstein
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
- Centre for Digital Psychiatry, Region of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Claire Gudex
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
- Open Patient Data Explorative Network (OPEN), 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Frederikke Piil
- Centre for Eating Disorders, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark
- Research Unit for Medical Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark
- Research Unit, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Mental Health Services in the Region of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - René Klinkby Støving
- Centre for Eating Disorders, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark
- Research Unit for Medical Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark
- Research Unit, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Mental Health Services in the Region of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
- Open Patient Data Explorative Network (OPEN), 5000 Odense, Denmark
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Göller S, Nickel K, Horster I, Endres D, Zeeck A, Domschke K, Lahmann C, Tebartz van Elst L, Maier S, Joos AAB. State or trait: the neurobiology of anorexia nervosa - contributions of a functional magnetic resonance imaging study. J Eat Disord 2022; 10:77. [PMID: 35641995 PMCID: PMC9158182 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-022-00598-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The understanding of the cerebral neurobiology of anorexia nervosa (AN) with respect to state- versus trait-related abnormalities is limited. There is evidence of restitution of structural brain alterations with clinical remission. However, with regard to functional brain abnormalities, this issue has not yet been clarified. METHODS We compared women with AN (n = 31), well-recovered female participants (REC) (n = 18) and non-patients (NP) (n = 27) cross-sectionally. Functional magnetic resonance imaging was performed to compare neural responses to food versus non-food images. Additionally, affective ratings were assessed. RESULTS Functional responses and affective ratings did not differ between REC and NP, even when applying lenient thresholds for the comparison of neural responses. Comparing REC and AN, the latter showed lower valence and higher arousal ratings for food stimuli, and neural responses differed with lenient thresholds in an occipital region. CONCLUSIONS The data are in line with some previous findings and suggest restitution of cerebral function with clinical recovery. Furthermore, affective ratings did not differ from NP. These results need to be verified in intra-individual longitudinal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selma Göller
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Nickel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Isabelle Horster
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dominique Endres
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Almut Zeeck
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Domschke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Center for Basics in Neuromodulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Claas Lahmann
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ludger Tebartz van Elst
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Simon Maier
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas A B Joos
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Ortenau Klinikum, Lahr, Academic Teaching Hospital of the University of Freiburg, Lahr, Germany
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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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7
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Ghiotto C, Silva C, Charvin I, Atzori P, Givaudan M, Da Fonseca D, Bat-Pitault F. Comparing executive functions profiles in anorexia nervosa and autism spectrum disorder in adolescence. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW 2022; 30:474-485. [PMID: 35411575 PMCID: PMC9540333 DOI: 10.1002/erv.2904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Objective Executive functions (EFs) inefficiencies in anorexia nervosa (AN), especially in set‐shifting and central coherence, suggest a link between AN and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). This study aimed at comparing EF profiles in AN and ASD, and investigating clinical variables associated with the identified EF difficulties. Method One hundred and sixty‐two adolescents with AN or ASD completed self‐report questionnaires assessing depression, anxiety and autism symptoms. Parents completed the behaviour rating of executive functions parent‐form (BRIEF‐P). Besides comparing EFs in AN and ASD, we also analysed clinical variables scoring below and above the mean age score across the all sample. We additionally examined the relationship between clinical variables and the BRIEF‐P indexes in AN. Results Participants with ASD had greater EF difficulties than participants with AN on all BRIEF‐P scales. In the whole sample, higher autistic features were related to poorer EF. In AN, lower body mass index and particularly higher autism‐spectrum quotient (BRI: Beta = 0.55; p < 0.001 and GEC: Beta = 0.50; p < 0.001) were most strongly associated with poorer EF. Conclusion Although participants with ASD showed greater difficulties, autistic traits were related to alter EFs in AN. Exploring further this dimension can undeniably allow better adaptive cognitive remediation programs. Participants with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) had greater executive function (EF) difficulties than participants with anorexia nervosa (AN) on all behaviour rating of executive functions parent‐form scales In AN, lower body mass index and particularly higher autism‐spectrum quotient were most strongly associated with poorer EF Our study highlights the importance of autistic features in the alteration of EF in AN
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Affiliation(s)
- Clément Ghiotto
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Salvator University Hospital, Public Assistance-Marseille Hospitals, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Catarina Silva
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Salvator University Hospital, Public Assistance-Marseille Hospitals, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France.,Institute of Neuroscience Timone, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Isabelle Charvin
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Salvator University Hospital, Public Assistance-Marseille Hospitals, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Paola Atzori
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Salvator University Hospital, Public Assistance-Marseille Hospitals, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Marion Givaudan
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Salvator University Hospital, Public Assistance-Marseille Hospitals, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - David Da Fonseca
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Salvator University Hospital, Public Assistance-Marseille Hospitals, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France.,Institute of Neuroscience Timone, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Flora Bat-Pitault
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Salvator University Hospital, Public Assistance-Marseille Hospitals, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France.,Institute of Neuroscience Timone, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
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8
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Steegers C, Dieleman G, Moskalenko V, Santos S, Hillegers M, White T, Jansen PW. The longitudinal relationship between set-shifting at 4 years of age and eating disorder related features at 9 years of age in the general pediatric population. Int J Eat Disord 2021; 54:2180-2191. [PMID: 34716719 PMCID: PMC9298047 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23633] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) tend to have rigid thoughts and behaviors regarding their body weight, body image, and eating habits. While a diagnosis of AN implies severe levels of impairment, AN traits can vary on a continuum within the population. However, little is known about how early markers of AN relate to rigid thought patterns and to what extent cognitive rigidity is already present in early childhood. We examined the association of set-shifting abilities as a measure of cognitive flexibility in preadolescents with AN-related features. METHODS Participants included 3,987 children participating in the Generation R Study, a Dutch population-based birth cohort. Set-shifting abilities (mother report) were assessed at 4 years of age, body mass index (BMI) was determined at 4 and 9 years and restrictive eating patterns (mother report) and body image (child report) were assessed at 9 years. RESULTS Lower set-shifting abilities at 4 years were associated with a lower BMI (β = -.44, p = 2.2 × 10-4 ) in girls, and more restrictive eating (β = 0.15, p = 2.7 × 10-6 ) in both boys and girls at 9 years of age. Moreover, set-shifting at age 4 was not associated with body image at age 9. CONCLUSION These findings contribute to the idea that the association between set-shifting problems and AN-related features are present early in childhood, prior to the typical range of the onset of eating disorders (EDs). Longitudinal studies that capture the peak age for the development of EDs will be important to assess whether early cognitive inflexibility is an early marker of AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathelijne Steegers
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/PsychologyErasmus MC‐Sophia Children's HospitalRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Gwen Dieleman
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/PsychologyErasmus MC‐Sophia Children's HospitalRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Valeria Moskalenko
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/PsychologyErasmus MC‐Sophia Children's HospitalRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Susana Santos
- The Generation R Study GroupErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands,Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC – Sophia Children's HospitalUniversity Medical Center RotterdamRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Manon Hillegers
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/PsychologyErasmus MC‐Sophia Children's HospitalRotterdamThe Netherlands,The Generation R Study GroupErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Tonya White
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/PsychologyErasmus MC‐Sophia Children's HospitalRotterdamThe Netherlands,Department of Radiology and Nuclear MedicineErasmus MCRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Pauline W. Jansen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/PsychologyErasmus MC‐Sophia Children's HospitalRotterdamThe Netherlands,The Generation R Study GroupErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands,Department of Psychology, Education, and Child StudiesErasmus University RotterdamRotterdamThe Netherlands
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Dennhag I, Henje E, Nilsson K. Parental caregiver burden and recovery of adolescent anorexia nervosa after multi-family therapy. Eat Disord 2021; 29:463-479. [PMID: 31617832 DOI: 10.1080/10640266.2019.1678980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated whether parental caregiving burden changed during adjunct multi-family therapy of adolescent anorexia nervosa and eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS) and whether caregiver burden at baseline and changes in caregiver burden during treatment were associated with treatment outcome.Twenty-four females, 13 to 16 years old, and their parents, participated in the study. Caregiver burden was measured with the Eating Disorders Symptom Impact Scale, by mothers (n = 23) and fathers (n = 22). Treatment outcome was measured by adolescent body mass index, level of global functioning and self-rated eating disorder symptoms by the Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire 4.0.All patient outcomes improved and overall caregiver burden decreased significantly during treatment. When broken down in aspects of caregiver burden the decrease in parental perceived isolation, was found to be associated with improvement of BMI and Children's Global Assessment Scale. When analyzing fathers and mothers separately, we found that maternal feelings of guilt and paternal perceived burden of dysregulated behaviors at base-line were correlated to treatment outcome. Future studies are needed to clarify the role of caregiver burden as a potential mediator of treatment results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inga Dennhag
- Department of Clinical Science, Child- and Adolescent Psychiatry, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Eva Henje
- Department of Clinical Science, Child- and Adolescent Psychiatry, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Karin Nilsson
- Department of Clinical Science, Child- and Adolescent Psychiatry, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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10
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Dann KM, Hay P, Touyz S. Are poor set-shifting and central coherence associated with everyday function in anorexia nervosa? A systematic review. J Eat Disord 2021; 9:40. [PMID: 33781337 PMCID: PMC8008586 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-021-00392-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is increasing interest in associations between cognitive impairments and clinical symptoms in Anorexia Nervosa (AN), however, the relationship with everyday function is unclear. The current review synthesizes existing data regarding associations between scores on tests of set-shifting and central coherence and functional outcome measures for individuals with AN. METHOD A systematic electronic database search yielded 13 studies which included participants with current or lifetime AN where scores on a neuropsychological test of set-shifting or central coherence were directly or indirectly compared to a functional outcome measure. RESULTS Associations between set-shifting and central coherence performance measures and functional outcomes were limited in number and noted only in adult or mixed-age cohorts. Associations were noted at subscale level, suggesting they are specific in nature. In younger cohorts, assessments of executive functioning in everyday life appear sensitive to cognitive-behavioral flexibility issues. CONCLUSIONS Associations between cognitive performance and functional outcome have not been as systematically assessed in AN as in other psychiatric disorders. Key factors to address in future research include: (a) the use of function measures which are sensitive to both the level of impairment, and specific rather than general impairments (b) the ecological validity of measures, (c) the task impurity problem, especially in regard to cognitive flexibility assessment, and (d) the need to measure both cognitive deficits and strengths, because tests of specific cognitive processes may underestimate the ability to function in daily life due to compensatory strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly M Dann
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Phillipa Hay
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Stephen Touyz
- InsideOut Institute and School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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11
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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: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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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12
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Looking beneath the surface: Distinguishing between common features in autism and anorexia nervosa. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbct.2020.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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13
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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: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [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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Hemmingsen SD, Wesselhoeft R, Lichtenstein MB, Sjögren JM, Støving RK. Cognitive improvement following weight gain in patients with anorexia nervosa: A systematic review. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW 2020; 29:402-426. [PMID: 33044043 DOI: 10.1002/erv.2796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Anorexia nervosa (AN) has been associated with cognitive impairment. While re-nutrition is one of the main treatment targets, the effect on cognitive impairments is unclear. The aim of this review was to examine whether cognitive functions improve after weight gain in patients with AN. METHOD A systematic review was performed following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses statement guidelines (PROSPERO CRD42019081993). Literature searches were conducted May 20th , 2019 in PubMed, EMBASE, PsychINFO and Cochrane Library. Pairs of reviewers screened reports independently based on titles/abstracts (N = 6539) and full texts (N = 378). Furthermore, they assessed the quality of reports, including whether practice effects were accounted for. RESULTS Twenty-four longitudinal reports were included featuring 757 patients and 419 healthy controls. Six studies examined children and adolescents. Four out of four studies found processing speed to improve above and beyond what could be assigned to practice effects and three out of four studies found that cognitive flexibility was unaffected after weight gain in children and adolescents. Results from studies of adults were inconclusive. DISCUSSION The literature on cognitive change in patients with AN following weight gain is sparse. Preliminary conclusions can be made only for children and adolescents, where weight gain appeared to be associated with improved processing speed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Daugaard Hemmingsen
- Centre for Eating Disorder, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Research Unit for Medical Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Research Unit, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Mental Health Services in the Region of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Open Patient Data Explorative Network (OPEN), Odense, Denmark
| | - Rikke Wesselhoeft
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Aabenraa, Mental Health Services in the Region of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mia Beck Lichtenstein
- Centre for Telepsychiatry, Mental Health Services in the Region of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jan Magnus Sjögren
- Eating Disorder Unit, Mental Health Centre Ballerup, Mental Health Services in the Capital Region of Denmark, Ballerup, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - René Klinkby Støving
- Centre for Eating Disorder, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Research Unit for Medical Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Research Unit, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Mental Health Services in the Region of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Open Patient Data Explorative Network (OPEN), Odense, Denmark
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15
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Vuillier L, Carter Z, Teixeira AR, Moseley RL. Alexithymia may explain the relationship between autistic traits and eating disorder psychopathology. Mol Autism 2020; 11:63. [PMID: 32758290 PMCID: PMC7406391 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-020-00364-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autistic people are disproportionately vulnerable to anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders (ED), and within the general population, autistic traits correlate with ED psychopathology. A putative mechanism which may underpin this heightened risk is alexithymia, a difficulty identifying and describing emotional states which is observed in both autism and ED. In two experiments with independent non-clinical samples, we explored whether alexithymia might mediate the heightened risk of eating psychopathology in individuals high in autistic traits. METHODS Our first experiment used the PROCESS macro for SPSS to examine relationships between alexithymia (measured by the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20)), autistic traits (autism quotient (AQ)), and eating psychopathology (Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26)) in 121 participants. Our second experiment (n = 300) replicated and furthered this analysis by examining moderating effects of sex and controlling for anxiety and depression as covariates. We also included an additional performance-based measure of alexithymia, the Levels of Emotional Awareness Scale (LEAS). RESULTS Study 1 suggested that TAS-20 scores mediated the relationship between heightened autistic traits and eating psychopathology. Replication and further scrutiny of this finding, in study 2, revealed that this mediation effect was partial and specific to the female participants in this sample. The mediation effect appeared to be carried by the difficulty identifying feelings subscale of the TAS-20, even when depression and anxiety were controlled for. LEAS scores, however, were not significantly related to autistic traits or eating psychopathology. LIMITATIONS Cross-sectional data prevents any conclusions around the direction and causality of relationships between alexithymia, autistic traits, and eating psychopathology (alongside depression and anxiety), necessitating longitudinal research. Our non-clinical sample was predominantly Caucasian undergraduate students, so it remains to be seen if these results would extrapolate to clinical and/or autistic samples. Divergence between the TAS-20 and LEAS raises crucial questions regarding the construct validity of these measures. CONCLUSIONS Our findings with respect to autistic traits suggest that alexithymia could partially explain the prevalence of ED in autistic people and may as such be an important consideration in the pathogenesis and treatment of ED in autistic and non-autistic people alike. Further research with clinical samples is critical to explore these ideas. Differences between men and women, furthermore, emphasize the importance of looking for sex-specific as well as generic risk factors in autistic and non-autistic men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Vuillier
- Department of Psychology, Bournemouth University, Poole, UK
| | - Z. Carter
- Department of Psychology, Bournemouth University, Poole, UK
| | - A. R. Teixeira
- Department of Psychology, Bournemouth University, Poole, UK
| | - R. L. Moseley
- Department of Psychology, Bournemouth University, Poole, UK
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16
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Sproch LE, Anderson KP, Sherman MF, Crawford SF, Brandt HA. A randomized controlled trial of group cognitive remediation therapy for anorexia nervosa: Effects on set-shifting tasks for inpatient adults and adolescents. Int J Eat Disord 2019; 52:1004-1014. [PMID: 31373405 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this randomized controlled trial with a parallel design was to evaluate the effect of brief, cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) for anorexia nervosa (AN) on set-shifting. METHOD Two hundred seventy-five inpatient adults and adolescents with AN (mean age = 23.1; SD = 12.7) were randomly assigned (using simple randomization procedures) to either a CRT or control condition. All participants received treatment as usual; however, the CRT condition completed five CRT group sessions in lieu of other group therapies provided on the unit. Set-shifting abilities were evaluated by: (a) neuropsychological measures and (b) experimental cognitive behavior therapy thought records. Blinding of group assignment occurred during baseline assessment and ended following group commencement. RESULTS Data from 135 CRT and 140 control condition participants were analyzed. On all neuropsychological measures, results revealed no between group condition effects, but did show statistically significant time effects, with medium to large effect sizes. Thought record analysis revealed a significant condition by age interaction effect where adults in the CRT condition generated significantly more alternative thoughts and had stronger believability of alternative thoughts than children, a trend that was not found in the control condition. This yielded moderate to large effect sizes of.0.56 and 0.72, respectively. DISCUSSION Based on traditional neuropsychological measures, these findings do not suggest a differential effect of CRT for AN in the format applied. However, results suggest that CRT may have some increased beneficial cognitive effect for adults, as compared to children, based on thought record analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E Sproch
- Department of Psychology, The Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Kimberly P Anderson
- Department of Psychology, The Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Martin F Sherman
- Department of Psychology, Loyola University Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Steven F Crawford
- Department of Psychiatry, The Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Harry A Brandt
- Department of Psychiatry, The Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt, Baltimore, Maryland
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17
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Features of schizophrenia following premorbid eating disorders. Psychiatry Res 2019; 278:275-280. [PMID: 31254876 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2019.06.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Eating disorders (ED) and schizophrenia are frequently comorbid and schizophrenia shares genetic susceptibility with anorexia. Many factors associated with schizophrenia can disrupt eating, but ED can present years before schizophrenia. If premorbid ED distinguishes a particular subtype of schizophrenia, then phenotypic features may differ between schizophrenia cases with and without premorbid ED. METHOD This secondary analysis used data from an inpatient schizophrenia research study that comprehensively assessed life course psychiatric disorders (DIGS interview), intelligence (WAIS), global assessments of function (GAF) and assessed symptoms during medication-free and fixed dose neuroleptic phases (PANSS). RESULTS Premorbid ED was identified in 27 of the 288 schizophrenia cases (9.4%). This group had more females than the group without premorbid ED (74.1% vs. 30%); premorbid ED was 5-fold more common in female than male cases (χ2 (17.9, P < .0001). Only the premorbid ED group had gustatory hallucinations. They also demonstrated significantly more severe psychotic and disorganization symptoms during medication-free and fixed dose treatment phases, despite similar negative symptoms and GAF scores, as other cases. The premorbid ED group had significantly better cognition overall, but relatively lower nonverbal than verbal intelligence. DISCUSSION Premorbid ED may define a specific subtype of schizophrenia that is common in females. Their more severe psychotic symptoms and better IQ, despite similarly impaired function and negative symptoms as other cases, suggests a distinct pathophysiology. Premorbid ED should be considered in evaluating risk states for schizophrenia, and as a relevant phenotype for treatment resistant schizophrenia.
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18
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Tomba E, Tecuta L, Crocetti E, Squarcio F, Tomei G. Residual eating disorder symptoms and clinical features in remitted and recovered eating disorder patients: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Int J Eat Disord 2019; 52:759-776. [PMID: 31169332 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In psychiatry, the presence of residual symptoms after treatment is linked to the definitions of remission and recovery. To identify the presence of residual eating disorder (ED) symptoms and associated non-ED clinical features in remitted and recovered EDs, the current systematic review with meta-analysis was performed. METHOD A systematic review was conducted on residual ED symptoms and non-ED clinical features including comorbid psychopathology, neurophysiological functioning, cognitive functioning, and quality of life in ED patients considered remitted or recovered. To examine residual ED symptoms, meta-analyses were performed while considering age, study quality, remission, and recovery criteria strictness as moderators. Sensitivity, publication bias, and heterogeneity analyses were also conducted. RESULTS The 64 studies selected for the systematic review underscored the presence of residual ED symptoms in anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN), and impairments and deficits in the additional features examined. From the 64 studies, 31 were selected regarding residual ED symptoms in AN for meta-analysis. Large effect sizes indicated that remitted/recovered AN patients reported significantly lower body mass index (Hedges' g = -0.62[-0.77, -0.46]) and significantly greater symptomatology in terms of ED examination-questionnaire (Hedges'g = 0.86 [0.48,1.23]) and ED inventory (Hedges' g = 0.94[0.64,1.24]) than healthy controls, independently of remission and recovery criteria strictness, age, and study quality. DISCUSSION The presence of residual ED symptoms in AN is quantitatively supported, whereas the presence of residual ED symptoms in BN should be further investigated. Data on binge-eating disorder are missing. Future research should use consistent, multicomponent, and standardized comparable indicators of recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Tomba
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lucia Tecuta
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Fabio Squarcio
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuliano Tomei
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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19
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Castro-Fornieles J, Serna EDL, Calvo A, Blázquez A, Moya J, Lázaro L, Andrés-Perpiñá S, Plana MT, Gil L, Flamarique I, Martínez E, Pariente J, Moreno E, Bargallo N. Functional MRI with a set-shifting task in adolescent anorexia nervosa: A cross-sectional and follow-up study. Neuropsychologia 2019; 131:1-8. [PMID: 31145908 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2019.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 03/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Studies of set-shifting in adolescent AN present conflicting results, since not all have found differences with regard to controls. To date, no functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) studies have been carried out in adolescent patients, nor have patients been assessed after weight recovery. In this study, 30 female AN patients aged 12-17 and 16 matched control subjects were assessed both at baseline and after six months and renutrition using a structured diagnostic interview, clinical and neurocognitive scales, and fMRI during a set-shifting task. Adolescent AN patients presented similar performance on different neurocognitive tests and also on a set-shifting task during fMRI, but they showed a lower activation in the inferior and middle occipital and lingual gyri, fusiform gyri and cerebellum during the set-shifting task. No correlations were found between decreased activation and clinical variables such as body mass index, eating or depressive symptoms. After six months of treatment and renutrition in AN patients, there were no differences between patients and controls. These results show that adolescent AN patients have lower activation in relevant brain areas during a set-shifting task, and support the use of fMRI with set-shifting paradigms as a biomarker in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josefina Castro-Fornieles
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology Department, 2017SGR881, Institute Clinic of Neurosciences, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, CIBERSAM, IDIBAPS, Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Villarroel, 170, Barcelona, 08036, Spain.
| | - Elena de la Serna
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology Department, 2017SGR881, Institute Clinic of Neurosciences, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, CIBERSAM, IDIBAPS, Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Villarroel, 170, Barcelona, 08036, Spain
| | - Anna Calvo
- Magnetic Resonance Image Core Facility, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Villarroel, 170, Barcelona, 08036, Spain
| | - Anna Blázquez
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology Department, 2017SGR881, Institute Clinic of Neurosciences, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, CIBERSAM, IDIBAPS, Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Villarroel, 170, Barcelona, 08036, Spain
| | - Jaime Moya
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology Department, 2017SGR881, Institute Clinic of Neurosciences, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, CIBERSAM, IDIBAPS, Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Villarroel, 170, Barcelona, 08036, Spain
| | - Luisa Lázaro
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology Department, 2017SGR881, Institute Clinic of Neurosciences, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, CIBERSAM, IDIBAPS, Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Villarroel, 170, Barcelona, 08036, Spain
| | - Susana Andrés-Perpiñá
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology Department, 2017SGR881, Institute Clinic of Neurosciences, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, CIBERSAM, IDIBAPS, Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Villarroel, 170, Barcelona, 08036, Spain
| | - María Teresa Plana
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology Department, 2017SGR881, Institute Clinic of Neurosciences, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, CIBERSAM, IDIBAPS, Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Villarroel, 170, Barcelona, 08036, Spain
| | - Laia Gil
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology Department, 2017SGR881, Institute Clinic of Neurosciences, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, CIBERSAM, IDIBAPS, Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Villarroel, 170, Barcelona, 08036, Spain
| | - Itziar Flamarique
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology Department, 2017SGR881, Institute Clinic of Neurosciences, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, CIBERSAM, IDIBAPS, Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Villarroel, 170, Barcelona, 08036, Spain
| | - Esteve Martínez
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology Department, 2017SGR881, Institute Clinic of Neurosciences, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, CIBERSAM, IDIBAPS, Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Villarroel, 170, Barcelona, 08036, Spain
| | - Jose Pariente
- Magnetic Resonance Image Core Facility, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Villarroel, 170, Barcelona, 08036, Spain
| | - Elena Moreno
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology Department, 2017SGR881, Institute Clinic of Neurosciences, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, CIBERSAM, IDIBAPS, Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Villarroel, 170, Barcelona, 08036, Spain
| | - Nuria Bargallo
- Magnetic Resonance Image Core Facility, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Villarroel, 170, Barcelona, 08036, Spain; Image Diagnostic Center, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Villarroel, 170, Barcelona, 08036, Spain
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20
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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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Halevy-Yosef R, Bachar E, Shalev L, Pollak Y, Enoch-Levy A, Gur E, Weizman A, Stein D. The complexity of the interaction between binge-eating and attention. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0215506. [PMID: 31017971 PMCID: PMC6481844 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0215506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether binge-eating in patients with eating disorders (EDs) is associated with attentional deficits. METHODS We studied ED patients with binge-eating (n = 51), no binge-eating (n = 59) and controls (n = 58). ED patients were assessed following the stabilization of weight and ED pathology. Attention assessment included evaluation of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis, the Adult ADHD Self-Report (ASRS) and ADHD Rating Scale-IV-Home Version (ADHD-RS) questionnaires, and attention functioning assessed with neuropsychological tools. The severity of eating-related pathology, depression, anxiety and obsessionality was also monitored. RESULTS Patients with binge-eating showed more ADHD symptomatology on the ADHD-RS compared with non-binge-eating patients. No differences were found between binge-eating and non-binge-eating patients in ADHD diagnosis and neuropsychological functioning. Among the specific ED subtypes, patients with anorexia nervosa binge/purge type (AN-B/P) showed the highest rates of ADHD symptomatology on the ADHD-RS, and were characterized with sustained attention deficits. CONCLUSION Binge-eating is not associated with attention deficits as measured by objective neuropsychological tools. Nonetheless, it is associated with attentional difficulties as measured with the self-reported ADHD-RS. AN-B/P patients are the only ED category showing objective sustained attention deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roni Halevy-Yosef
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Eytan Bachar
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- Department of Psychiatry, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Lilach Shalev
- School of Education and School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yehuda Pollak
- The Seymour Fox School of Education, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Adi Enoch-Levy
- Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Eitan Gur
- Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Abraham Weizman
- Geha Mental Health Center and Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tiqva, Israel
| | - Daniel Stein
- Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
- Department of Psychiatry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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22
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Dahlgren CL, Hage TW, Wonderlich JA, Stedal K. General and Eating Disorder Specific Flexibility: Development and Validation of the Eating Disorder Flexibility Index (EDFLIX) Questionnaire. Front Psychol 2019; 10:663. [PMID: 31024374 PMCID: PMC6454114 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Findings from studies investigating cognitive flexibility in eating disorders (EDs) are inconsistent, and although neuropsychological tests are commonly used to measure these skills, they may not be particularly effective in predicting everyday functioning. Also, extant studies have largely focused on flexibility in anorexia nervosa (AN), with assessments targeting general rather than specific flexibility, and cognitive, rather than behavioral flexibility. Knowledge regarding ED specific flexibility and flexibility in bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge eating disorder (BED) is still scarce. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a novel measure assessing general and ED specific flexibility in a diagnostically diverse sample, and in healthy controls (HCs). A sample of 207 adult individuals with EDs (55% AN, 29% BN, 16% BED) and 288 HCs responded to an online, 51-item, pilot questionnaire on ED specific and general flexibility. In addition, participants completed the shift subscale from the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function Adult version (BRIEF-A), and the Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale (EDDS). A principal component analysis (PCA) in the clinical sample yielded a 36-item, three-factor solution capturing general flexibility, flexibility related to food and exercise, and flexibility concerning body shape and weight. Results showed that the measure had good to excellent internal consistency, and good convergent validity. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using data from HCs revealed good fit indexes, supporting the original factor solution. A receiver operating characteristics analysis (ROC) demonstrated excellent accuracy in distinguishing scores from those with and without EDs. A cutoff score of 136 yielded the most balanced sensitivity and specificity. Significant differences in general and ED specific flexibility were found between individuals with and without EDs. Overall, HCs achieved the highest flexibility scores, followed by those with BED, BN, and AN. In sum this novel measure, the Eating Disorder Flexibility Index (EDFLIX) questionnaire, was found to be reliable and valid in the assessment of cognitive and behavioral flexibility, with results offering support for the conceptual distinction between general and ED related flexibility. The study also provides strong evidence for the discriminant validity of the EDFLIX with results revealing significant differences in flexibility in people with and without EDs. In addition, significant differences in flexibility also emerged when comparing diagnostic groups, indicating the utility of the assessment instrument for classification purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Lindvall Dahlgren
- Regional Department for Eating Disorders, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trine Wiig Hage
- Regional Department for Eating Disorders, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Kristin Stedal
- Regional Department for Eating Disorders, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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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: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [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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24
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Herbrich LR, Kappel V, Winter SM, van Noort BM. Executive functioning in adolescent anorexia nervosa: Neuropsychology versus self- and parental-report. Child Neuropsychol 2018; 25:816-835. [PMID: 30348052 DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2018.1536200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
There is limited research concerning the relationship between neuropsychological assessment and self-report of executive functioning in adolescent anorexia nervosa (AN); available studies demonstrate only low to moderate correlations. Therefore, this study examines the association between neuropsychological test performance and self-report in AN. Forty adolescent inpatients with AN completed an extensive neuropsychological assessment, including set-shifting, central coherence, and questionnaires assessing executive functioning in daily life (BRIEF-SR). Their parents filled out an analog version (BRIEF-PF). Statistical analyses revealed low to medium positive and negative correlations between neuropsychological measures and BRIEF subscales. Similarly, self- and parental ratings were only slightly positively correlated, with patients scoring significantly higher than their parents on two subscales. The results support previous findings of modest correlations between self-report and performance-based testing and emphasize the importance of a multiple format assessment of executive functioning in adolescent AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rebecca Herbrich
- a Department for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy , Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health , Berlin , Germany
| | - Viola Kappel
- a Department for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy , Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health , Berlin , Germany
| | - Sibylle Maria Winter
- a Department for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy , Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health , Berlin , Germany
| | - Betteke Maria van Noort
- a Department for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy , Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health , Berlin , Germany
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25
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review delineates issues in the conceptualization and operationalization of eating disorder recovery, highlights recent findings about recovery (since 2016), and proposes future directions. RECENT FINDINGS A longstanding problem in the field is that there are almost as many different definitions of recovery in eating disorders as there are studies on the topic. Yet, there has been a general shift to accepting that psychological/cognitive symptoms are important to recovery in addition to physical and behavioral indices. Further, several operationalizations of recovery have been proposed over the past two decades, and some efforts to validate operationalizations exist. However, this work has had limited impact and uptake, such that the field is suffering from "broken record syndrome," where calls are made for universal definitions time and time again. It is critical that proposed operationalizations be compared empirically to help arrive at a consensus definition and that institutional/organizational support help facilitate this. Themes in recent recovery research include identifying predictors, examining biological/neuropsychological factors, and considering severe and enduring anorexia nervosa. From qualitative research, those who have experienced eating disorders highlight recovery as a journey, as well as factors such as hope, self-acceptance, and benefiting from support from others as integral to the process of recovery. The field urgently needs to implement a universal definition of recovery that is backed by evidence, that can parsimoniously be implemented in clinical practice, and that will lead to greater harmonization of scientific findings.
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26
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Leppanen J, Sedgewick F, Treasure J, Tchanturia K. Differences in the Theory of Mind profiles of patients with anorexia nervosa and individuals on the autism spectrum: A meta-analytic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 90:146-163. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2017] [Revised: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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27
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Herbrich L, Kappel V, van Noort BM, Winter S. Differences in set-shifting and central coherence across anorexia nervosa subtypes in children and adolescents. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW 2018; 26:499-507. [PMID: 29797742 DOI: 10.1002/erv.2605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2017] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Regarding executive functioning in anorexia nervosa (AN), little is known about differences between the restricting (AN-R) and binge eating/purging (AN-BP) subtypes. Especially for adolescents, there is sparse data. Hence, the current aim is to investigate differences in set-shifting, central coherence, and self-reported executive functioning across adolescent AN subtypes. METHODS Ninety AN-R, 21 AN-BP, and 63 controls completed an extensive assessment battery including neuropsychological tests for executive functioning and the self-report questionnaire Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning. RESULTS Patients with AN-R and AN-BP did not differ on neuropsychological measures, and both performed similarly to controls. Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning scores fell within the normal range with AN subtypes showing mostly comparable ratings. AN-BP patients scored higher on 2 composite indices and the "shift" subscale compared with AN-R. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest similar cognitive functioning in adolescent AN subtypes as well as healthy controls. However, more research is needed to draw more general conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Herbrich
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Berlin, Germany
| | - Viola Kappel
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Berlin, Germany
| | - Betteke Maria van Noort
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sibylle Winter
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Berlin, Germany
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28
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Brooks SJ, Funk SG, Young SY, Schiöth HB. The Role of Working Memory for Cognitive Control in Anorexia Nervosa versus Substance Use Disorder. Front Psychol 2017; 8:1651. [PMID: 29018381 PMCID: PMC5615794 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Prefrontal cortex executive functions, such as working memory (WM) interact with limbic processes to foster impulse control. Such an interaction is referred to in a growing body of publications by terms such as cognitive control, cognitive inhibition, affect regulation, self-regulation, top-down control, and cognitive–emotion interaction. The rising trend of research into cognitive control of impulsivity, using various related terms reflects the importance of research into impulse control, as failure to employ cognitions optimally may eventually result in mental disorder. Against this background, we take a novel approach using an impulse control spectrum model – where anorexia nervosa (AN) and substance use disorder (SUD) are at opposite extremes – to examine the role of WM for cognitive control. With this aim, we first summarize WM processes in the healthy brain in order to frame a systematic review of the neuropsychological, neural and genetic findings of AN and SUD. In our systematic review of WM/cognitive control, we found n = 15 studies of AN with a total of n = 582 AN and n = 365 HC participants; and n = 93 studies of SUD with n = 9106 SUD and n = 3028 HC participants. In particular, we consider how WM load/capacity may support the neural process of excessive epistemic foraging (cognitive sampling of the environment to test predictions about the world) in AN that reduces distraction from salient stimuli. We also consider the link between WM and cognitive control in people with SUD who are prone to ‘jumping to conclusions’ and reduced epistemic foraging. Finally, in light of our review, we consider WM training as a novel research tool and an adjunct to enhance treatment that improves cognitive control of impulsivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J Brooks
- Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala UniversityUppsala, Sweden.,Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape TownCape Town, South Africa
| | - Sabina G Funk
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape TownCape Town, South Africa
| | - Susanne Y Young
- Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch UniversityBellville, South Africa
| | - Helgi B Schiöth
- Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala UniversityUppsala, Sweden
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