Use of high‐frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation to probe the neural circuitry of food choice in anorexia nervosa: A proof‐of‐concept study. Issue 11 (20th August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Muratore, Alexandra F.; Bershad, Mariya; Steinglass, Joanna E.; Foerde, Karin E.; Gianini, Loren; Broft, Allegra; Attia, Evelyn
• Is Part Of: International journal of eating disorders. Volume 54:Issue 11(2021)
• Page Start: 2031
• Page End: 2036
• Publication Date: 2021-08-20
• Subjects: anorexia nervosa -- caloric restriction -- choice behavior -- feeding and eating disorders -- food preferences -- magnetic resonance imaging -- neuronavigation -- TMS -- transcranial magnetic stimulation; Appetite disorders -- Periodicals; Ingestion disorders -- Periodicals; Eating disorders -- Periodicals; 616.8526
• DOI: 10.1002/eat.23597
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0276-3478

Abstract

Abstract: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is used to modulate neural systems and provides the opportunity for experimental tests of hypotheses regarding mechanisms underlying anorexia nervosa (AN). The present pilot study has investigated whether high‐frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF‐rTMS) to a region of the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) might be associated with change in food selection among adult inpatients with AN. Ten women received one session of sham and one session of HF‐rTMS targeting the right DLPFC while completing a computerized Food Choice Task. Compared to sham, HF‐rTMS was associated with changes in food ratings and food choice: inpatients reported higher healthiness ratings of low‐ and high‐fat foods and selected a significantly greater proportion of high‐fat foods over a neutrally rated reference item while receiving HF‐rTMS. Findings suggest that HF‐rTMS to the right DLPFC was associated with a reduction of fat avoidance on a food choice task among inpatients with AN and provide additional support for the possibility that this region, and related neural circuits, may underlie restrictive food choice. Research using rTMS to experimentally test neural mechanisms is needed to elucidate the underpinnings of AN and supports the development of novel treatment targets.