Set-shifting ability across the spectrum of eating disorders and in overweight and obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Issue 16 (26th February 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wu, M.; Brockmeyer, T.; Hartmann, M.; Skunde, M.; Herzog, W.; Friederich, H.-C.
• Is Part Of: Psychological medicine. Volume 44:Issue 16(2014)
• Page Start: 3365
• Page End: 3385
• Publication Date: 2014-02-26
• Subjects: Anorexia nervosa, -- binge eating disorder, -- bulimia nervosa, -- cognitive flexibility, -- compulsivity, -- eating disorders, -- obesity, -- overweight, -- set-shifting; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Medicine and psychology -- Periodicals; Clinical psychology -- Periodicals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1017/S0033291714000294
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0033-2917

Abstract

Abstract : Background: In this meta-analysis we review the findings from neuropsychological studies on set-shifting in people with eating disorders (EDs) or overweight/obesity. Method: Four databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, PSYNDEX and Web of Science) were searched for eligible studies. Effect sizes (ESs) were pooled using random-effects models. Moderator analyses were conducted for ED and overweight/obese subgroups, adult/adolescent samples and measures of set-shifting. Results: Sixty-four studies with a total of 1825 ED patients [1394 anorexia nervosa (AN), 376 bulimia nervosa (BN) and 55 binge eating disorder (BED)] and 10 studies with a total of 449 overweight/obese individuals were included. The meta-analysis revealed a small to medium ES for inefficient set-shifting across all three ED diagnoses (Hedges' g = –0.45). Subgroup analyses yielded small to medium ESs for each ED subtype ( g = –0.44 for AN, –0.53 for BED, –0.50 for BN), which did not differ significantly. There was a medium ES for restricting type AN (ANR; g = –0.51) but no significant ES for binge/purge type AN (AN/BP; g = –0.18). A medium ES was found across obesity studies ( g = –0.61). The ES across overweight studies was not significant ( g = –0.07). Adult samples did not differ from adolescent samples in either ED or overweight/obesity studies. The different set-shifting measures were associated with largely varying ESs. Conclusions: The meta-analysis provides strong support that inefficient set-shifting is a salient neuropsychological phenomenon across ED subtypes and obesity, but is less prominent in AN/BP and overweight. Compulsivity seems to be a common underlying factor supporting a dimensional and transdiagnostic conceptualization of EDs and obesity.