The neural correlates of a central coherence task in young women with anorexia nervosa. (18th July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Leslie, Monica; Halls, Daniel; Leppanen, Jenni; Sedgewick, Felicity; Lang, Katie; Fonville, Leon; Simic, Mima; Mandy, William; Nicholls, Dasha; Williams, Steven; Tchanturia, Kate
• Is Part Of: European eating disorders review. Volume 29:Number 5(2021)
• Page Start: 744
• Page End: 755
• Publication Date: 2021-07-18
• Subjects: anorexia nervosa -- central coherence -- eating disorders -- fMRI -- neuropsychology; Eating disorders -- Periodicals; 616.8526
• DOI: 10.1002/erv.2852
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1072-4133

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: Heightened detail‐processing and low levels of central coherence are common in individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) and predict poorer prognosis. However, it is unclear whether these processing styles predate the disorder or, rather, emerge during later stages of AN. The current study aimed to address this question by investigating central coherence, and the neural correlates of central coherence, in a sample of young women with AN with shorter duration of illness than previous studies recruiting adult samples. Methods: We recruited 186 participants, including: 73 young women with AN, 45 young women weight‐recovered from AN, and 68 age‐matched controls. Participants completed the Embedded Figures Task during an fMRI scan. Results: There were no significant differences between the participant groups in performance accuracy or reaction time. There were no other between‐groups differences in neural response to the Embedded Figures Task. Conclusions: These findings contrast with evidence from older adults demonstrating differences in the neural underpinning of central coherence amongst participants with AN versus control participants. The current study adds to an increasing literature base demonstrating the resilience of neuropsychological traits and associated brain systems in the early stages of AN. Key points: Performance on the Embedded Figures Task did not differ in young women with a history of anorexia nervosa compared to control participants. The neural correlates of central coherence did not differ in young women with anorexia nervosa compared to control participants. Duration of anorexia nervosa was not correlated with neural response to the Embedded Figures Task.