Authors:
Allen KL, Byrne SM, Hii H, Eekelen AV, Mattes E, Foster JK
Authors notes:
Cognitive Neuropsychiatry. 2013;18(5):355-375
Keywords:
Central coherence, Eating disorders, Neurocognitive functioning, Raine Study, Set shifting
Abstract:
Neurocognitive deficits have been identified in eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.
However, current data do not allow for firm conclusions regarding the nature or extent of these deficits.
The current study aimed to evaluate neurocognitive functioning in a population-based sample of adolescents with and without eating disorders.
The eating disorder sample showed impaired performance on measures of executive functioning, including global processing and set shifting, but performed better than control participants on measures of visual attention and vigilance.
This is the first study to evaluate neurocognitive functioning in a population-based sample of adolescents with eating disorders.
Support is provided for weak central coherence and set-shifting difficulties early in the course of eating disorders.
Research is needed to determine if these deficits precede and predict eating disorder onset.