Work

Neuropsychological profile in young girls at high risk of developing anorexia nervosa

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Previous research has shown anorexia nervosa (AN) to be associated with a specific neuropsychological profile, including set-shifting and central coherence deviances. A similar profile has been shown in adult unaffected relatives. The aim of this study was to examine whether poor set-shifting and central coherence abilities could be detected in children at high risk of developing AN. METHOD: Twenty-eight biological healthy daughters of women with previous or current AN and 42 biological daughters of healthy women, all between six and 12 years of age, participated in the study. A neuropsychological test battery (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Trail Making Test and Rey Complex Figure Test) was used to assess set-shifting and central coherence abilities. RESULTS: No differences in set-shifting or central coherence performance were detected between the high-risk group and the comparison group. Adjustments for age and intelligence quotient (IQ) did not affect the results. CONCLUSIONS: Our results did not support the notion of preexisting neuropsychological deficits in AN-related cognitive domains among high-risk girls.

Source: European Eating Disorders Review

DOI: 10.1002/erv.3151

Authors: Karin Dahlin, Kajsa Järvholm, Sandra Rydberg Dobrescu, Jovanna Dahlgren, Elisabet Wentz

Institutions: University of Gothenburg, Lund University, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland

Language: English

Topic: Eating Disorders and Behaviors

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,330