1
|
Martinelli MK, Schreyer CC, Vanzhula IA, Guarda AS. Impulsivity and reward and punishment sensitivity among patients admitted to a specialized inpatient eating disorder treatment program. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1325252. [PMID: 38832324 PMCID: PMC11145411 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1325252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Eating disorders (EDs) are conceptualized as disorders of under- and over-control, with impulsivity reflecting under-control. Extant research indicates that impulsivity and related factors such as reward sensitivity and punishment sensitivity may serve as trait-level transdiagnostic risk and/or maintenance factors in EDs. Findings on impulsivity and reward and punishment sensitivity by diagnosis are mixed and research on the relationship between these factors and ED symptoms, hospital course, and treatment outcomes is limited. Methods Participants (N = 228) were patients admitted to a specialized inpatient behavioral treatment program for EDs who agreed to participate in a longitudinal study and completed self-report measures of impulsivity, reward sensitivity, and punishment sensitivity at admission. Weight and ED symptomatology were measured at admission and discharge. Hospital course variables included length of stay and premature treatment dropout. Results Impulsivity was lower in individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) restricting type compared to those with AN binge/purge type or bulimia nervosa; no other group differences were observed. Higher impulsivity was associated with greater bulimic symptoms on the Eating Disorder Inventory 2 (EDI-2) at admission. Impulsivity was not related to ED symptoms, weight outcomes, length of hospital stay, or treatment dropout at program discharge. Conclusion Impulsivity may help distinguish restrictive versus binge/purge EDs, but does not necessarily relate to discharge outcomes in an intensive inpatient ED program. Findings from this study provide novel contributions to the literature on personality traits in EDs and have important clinical implications. Results suggest that patients with higher levels of impulsivity or reward and punishment sensitivity can be expected to respond to inpatient treatment. Suggestions for future research are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary K. Martinelli
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Abber SR, Murray SM, Brown CS, Wierenga CE. Change in motivational bias during treatment predicts outcome in anorexia nervosa. Int J Eat Disord 2024; 57:671-681. [PMID: 38303629 PMCID: PMC10947895 DOI: 10.1002/eat.24156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Reward and punishment sensitivity are known to be altered in anorexia nervosa (AN). Most research has examined these constructs separately although motivated behavior is influenced by considering both the potential for reward and risk of punishment. The present study sought to compare the relative balance of reward and punishment sensitivity in AN versus healthy controls (HCs) and examine whether motivational bias is associated with AN symptoms and treatment outcomes. METHODS Adolescents and adults with AN (n = 262) in a partial hospitalization program completed the Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), Behavioral Inhibition System/Behavioral Activation System (BIS/BAS) scales, and Sensitivity to Punishment/Sensitivity to Reward Questionnaire (SPSRQ) at admission and discharge. HCs (HC; n = 90) completed the BIS/BAS and SPSRQ. Motivational Bias Scores were calculated to reflect the dominance of reward versus punishment sensitivity. RESULTS Individuals with AN demonstrated significantly greater bias toward punishment sensitivity than HC. In AN, a bias toward punishment was associated with higher EDE-Q Global score at admission. Change in motivational bias during treatment predicted EDE-Q Global scores, but not BMI, at discharge, with greater increases in reward sensitivity or greater decreases in punishment sensitivity during treatment predicting lower eating pathology. Similar findings were observed using the BIS/BAS and SPSRQ. DISCUSSION Change in motivational bias during treatment is associated with improved outcomes in AN. However, it appears that much of the change in motivational bias can be attributed to changes in punishment sensitivity, rather than reward sensitivity. Future research should examine the mechanisms underlying punishment sensitivity decreases during treatment. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE Sensitivity to reward and punishment may be important treatment targets for individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN). To date, most research has considered reward and punishment sensitivity separately, rather than examining their relationship to each other. We found that the balance of reward and punishment sensitivity (i.e., motivational bias) differs between healthy controls and those with AN and that this bias is associated with eating disorder symptoms and treatment outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie R. Abber
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
| | - Susan M. Murray
- Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego Health, San Diego, CA
| | - Carina S. Brown
- Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego Health, San Diego, CA
- San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology
| | - Christina E. Wierenga
- Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego Health, San Diego, CA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sternheim LC, Bijsterbosch JM, Wever MCM, van Elburg AA, Frank GKW. Examining anxious temperament in anorexia nervosa: Behavioural inhibition and intolerance of uncertainty and their contribution to trait anxiety in adolescents with anorexia nervosa. J Affect Disord 2024; 348:116-123. [PMID: 38110154 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.12.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a serious and complex psychiatric disorder yet treatment results are suboptimal. Insight into the etiology of this illness is much needed. Research highlights the implication of anxiety-related traits in the development and maintenance of AN. This study investigates firstly, behavioural inhibition and intolerance for uncertainty (IU) in adolescents with and without AN, and secondly relations between these traits. METHODS In a cross-sectional study, 165 adolescent girls (AN = 94, HC = 71) completed questionnaires measuring behavioural inhibition, IU and trait anxiety. ANOVAs tested differences between AN and HC groups, and mediation models with IU as a mediator between behavioural inhibition and trait anxiety were run. RESULTS AN adolescents reported significantly higher levels of behavioural inhibition, IU and trait anxiety compared to their peers. In both AN and HC, a direct and a total effect of behavioural inhibition on trait anxiety was found. However, only in the AN group IU partially mediated the relation between behavioural inhibition and trait anxiety. LIMITATIONS Data is cross-sectional and longitudinal studies are required. A mean illness duration of nearly 2 years may mean early effects of malnourishment and habituation and future studies should include patients with shorter illness duration. CONCLUSIONS Results highlight that behavioural inhibition and IU may contribute to anxiety in AN whilst their peers may have developed better executive and social-emotional skills to manage uncertainty. Adolescents with AN may benefit from interventions targeting behavioural inhibition and IU.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lot C Sternheim
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, the Netherlands.
| | | | - Mirjam C M Wever
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, the Netherlands
| | | | - Guido K W Frank
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Budia JM, Alcover CM, Fernández-Muñoz JJ, Blanco-Fernández A, Félix-Alcántara MP. Attachment, motivational systems and anorexia nervosa: A systematic review and proposed framework for eating disorders. Clin Psychol Psychother 2023; 30:913-930. [PMID: 36861498 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is a direct association between patients with insecure attachment style (IAS), behavioural inhibition (BIS) and behavioural activation (BAS) motivational systems, and anorexia nervosa (AN). However, the possible direct relationships between these three variables have not been studied. OBJECTIVE The main objective of this study is to analyse the relationship between these variables and propose a framework for analysing and understanding these relationships. METHODOLOGY A systematic review was carried out following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, searching the following terms: 'anorexia', 'attachment' and those related to motivational systems. The final search was limited to publications in English dated between 2014-2022 for 'anorexia and attachment' and 2010-2022 for 'anorexia and BIS/BAS'. RESULTS Of the 587 articles retrieved, 30 were included in this study for the textual data analysis of the relationship between anorexia and attachment (17), anorexia and motivational systems (10) and anorexia, attachment and motivational systems (3). An association between avoidant IAS, AN and hypersensitivity to punishment of the BIS was observed in the analysis. A relationship was also observed with hyperreinforcement sensitivity of the BAS. After reviewing the articles, a possible relationship between the three factors, along with other mediating factors, was found. DISCUSSION AN is directly related to the avoidant IAS and to BIS. Similarly, bulimia nervosa (BN) was directly related with anxious IAS and BAS. However, contradictions were found in the BN-BAS relationship. This study proposes a framework for analysing and understanding these relationships.
Collapse
|
5
|
Decision-Making in Childhood Predicts Prodromal Eating Pathology in Adolescence. J Dev Behav Pediatr 2022; 43:e407-e413. [PMID: 35353769 DOI: 10.1097/dbp.0000000000001073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Differences in decision-making under conditions of risk have been observed cross-sectionally in clinical groups of people with eating disorders but have never been studied longitudinally or in large cohorts. We investigated whether responses on the Cambridge Gambling Task (CGT), measured in the Millennium Cohort Study in childhood, would predict prodromal eating pathology in adolescence. METHOD Regression models were built to explore relationships between CGT variables at age 11 years and prodromal eating pathology (body dissatisfaction, intention to lose weight, dietary restriction, significant under/overweight, and excessive exercise) at 14 years. RESULTS In 11,303 boys and girls, those with better quality decision-making were 34% less likely to show an intention to lose weight (b = -0.40, odds ratio [OR] = 0.66, p < 0.05) and 34% less likely to be overweight (b = -0.41, relative risk ratio [RRR] = 0.66, p < 0.05). Those with higher risk-taking were 58% more likely to report dietary restriction (b = 0.45, OR = 1.58, p < 0.05) and 46% more likely to report excessive exercise (b = 0.38, OR = 1.46, p < 0.05). In the complete-cases sample, higher risk-adjustment scores were associated with a 47% increased risk of underweight (b = 0.39, RRR = 1.47, p < 0.05), and better quality of decision-making was associated with a 46% lower risk of overweight (b = -0.60, RRR = 0.54, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Disadvantageous decision-making in childhood may predict prodromal eating pathology in adolescence and might represent a prevention target.
Collapse
|
6
|
Jonker NC, Glashouwer KA, de Jong PJ. Punishment sensitivity and the persistence of anorexia nervosa: High punishment sensitivity is related to a less favorable course of anorexia nervosa. Int J Eat Disord 2022; 55:697-702. [PMID: 35347752 PMCID: PMC9313888 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cross-sectional research provides robust evidence that individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) report higher punishment sensitivity (PS) than individuals without an eating disorder (ED). High PS might interfere with treatment motivation and the ability to learn from experience. The current study took a longitudinal approach to test predictions that follow from the proposed relevance of PS as a factor in the persistence of AN symptoms. More specifically we tested (1) if higher PS at the start of treatment was related to less improvement in ED symptoms after one year, and (2) if a decrease in ED symptoms was associated with a concurrent decrease in PS. METHOD Participants were 69 adolescents with a diagnosis of AN at the start of treatment of whom 62 participated again one year later. ED symptom severity and PS were assessed at both time points. RESULTS Findings showed that (1) higher PS at the start of treatment was related to less improvement in ED symptoms, and (2) an improvement in ED symptoms was related to a decrease in PS. DISCUSSION These findings are consistent with the proposed relevance of PS in the persistence of AN and suggest that it might be beneficial to address high PS in treatment. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE Consistent with the view that punishment sensitivity (PS) is related to the persistence of anorexia nervosa, high PS at the start of treatment was related to less improvement in eating disorder symptoms in patients with anorexia nervosa. Furthermore, an improvement in eating disorder symptoms was associated with a concurrent decrease in PS, suggesting that PS can be subject to change and may be a relevant target for treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nienke C. Jonker
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental PsychopathologyUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Klaske A. Glashouwer
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental PsychopathologyUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands,Department of Eating DisordersAccare Child and Adolescents PsychiatryGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Peter J. de Jong
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental PsychopathologyUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Harrison A, Francesconi M, Flouri E. Types of Eating Disorder Prodrome in Adolescence: The Role of Decision Making in Childhood. Front Psychol 2022; 13:743947. [PMID: 35369201 PMCID: PMC8966721 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.743947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychiatric disorders like eating disorders (EDs) might be underpinned by differences in decision making. However, little previous research has investigated this potential relationship using longitudinal data. This study aimed to understand how components of decision making (delay aversion, risk adjustment, risk taking, quality of decision making and deliberation time) measured by the Cambridge Gambling Task in the United Kingdom’s Millennium Cohort Study (MCS; n = 11,303; female = 50.17%) at age 11 might explain clusters/types of ED prodrome involving body dissatisfaction, intention to lose weight, dietary restraint, excessive exercise and significant under/overweight measured in the MCS at age 14. Latent class analysis revealed two groups within the cohort: a non-prodromal eating pathology group, who were more likely to be of “average” weight, according to the UK90, with minimal disordered attitudes and behaviors in relation to eating and weight; and a second group with prodromal eating pathology, who had more body dissatisfaction, a desire to lose weight, were using dietary restriction and exercise to influence weight and were more likely to be “overweight” according to the UK90. Logistic regression showed that, after adjustment for confounding, higher risk-taking scores were associated with a 60% greater probability of being in the prodromal eating pathology group (b = 0.47, OR = 1.60, p < 0.01), and higher scores on quality of decision making were associated with a 30% lower probability of being in the prodromal eating pathology group (b = −0.34, OR = 0.70, p < 0.05). Helping young people to engage in moderate risk taking and improving decision making might reduce the later presence of ED prodromes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy Harrison
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Institute of Education, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marta Francesconi
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Institute of Education, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eirini Flouri
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Institute of Education, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Malcolm A, Phillipou A. Current directions in biomarkers and endophenotypes for anorexia nervosa: A scoping review. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 137:303-310. [PMID: 33735721 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.02.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
There are currently no validated biomarkers for anorexia nervosa (AN), though recent literature suggests an increased research interest in this area. Biomarkers are objective, measurable indicators of illness that can be used to assist with diagnosis, risk assessment, and tracking of illness state. Related to biomarkers are endophenotypes, which are quantifiable phenomena that are distinct from symptoms and which link genes to manifest illness. In this scoping review, we sought to provide a summary of recent research conducted in the pursuit of biomarkers and endophenotypes for AN. The findings indicate that a number of possible biomarkers which can assess the presence or severity of AN independently of weight status, including psychophysical (e.g., eye-tracking) and biological (e.g., immune, endocrine, metabolomic, neurobiological) markers, are currently under investigation. However, this research is still in early phases and lacking in replication studies. Endophenotype research has largely been confined to the study of several neurocognitive features, with mixed evidence to support their classification as possible endophenotypes for the disorder. The study of biomarkers and endophenotypes in AN involves significant challenges due to confounding factors of illness-related sequalae, such as starvation. Future research in these areas must prioritise direct evaluation of the sensitivity, specificity and test-retest reliability of proposed biomarkers and enhanced control of confounding physical consequences of AN in the study of biomarkers and endophenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy Malcolm
- Centre for Mental Health, Faculty of Health, Arts & Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia.
| | - Andrea Phillipou
- Centre for Mental Health, Faculty of Health, Arts & Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia; Department of Mental Health, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Mental Health, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
There is no such thing as a mindful binge: How mindfulness disrupts the pathway between anxiety and impulsivity on maladaptive eating behaviours. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2020.110393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
10
|
Francesconi M, Flouri E, Harrison A. Change in decision-making skills and risk for eating disorders in adolescence: A population-based study. Eur Psychiatry 2020; 63:e93. [PMID: 33046157 PMCID: PMC7681158 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2020.92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the growing interest in the involvement of decision-making under conditions of risk in the onset of eating disorders in adolescence, no studies have investigated how the development of decision-making across that period may influence such a risk. Using data from the Millennium Cohort Study this study explored whether changes in performance on the Cambridge Gambling Task (CGT) between age 11 and age 14 were associated with presence of eating disorder (ED) symptoms at age 14. METHODS Latent class analysis was used to identify groups with distinct profiles based on their responses to questions investigating eating and dieting at age 14. CGT change scores were used as predictors of latent class membership in a logistic regression while accounting for confounders. RESULTS In our sample of 11,303 participants, the best class solution was a two-class one reflecting high and low risk for ED symptoms. Higher risk-taking scores and lower quality of decision-making scores at age 11 were associated with increased odds of belonging to the high-risk group at age 14. Risk-taking was reduced from age 11 to age 14, but a smaller reduction was associated with a higher probability of being in the higher risk group at age 14. The change over time in the other CGT measures was not associated with risk for ED symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Atypical change in risk-taking from early to middle adolescence may be implicated in the risk of ED symptoms in middle adolescence. These results should be replicated in clinical samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Francesconi
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Institute of Education, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - E Flouri
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Institute of Education, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - A Harrison
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Institute of Education, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Jonker NC, Glashouwer KA, Hoekzema A, Ostafin BD, de Jong PJ. Heightened self-reported punishment sensitivity, but no differential attention to cues signaling punishment or reward in anorexia nervosa. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0229742. [PMID: 32126134 PMCID: PMC7053765 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined whether adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN) are more sensitive to punishment and less sensitive to reward than a non-eating disorder comparison group. Both self-report and performance measures were used to index reward and punishment sensitivity. Participants were adolescents with AN (n = 69) and an individually matched comparison group with healthy weight (n = 69). They completed the Behavioral Inhibition Scale/Behavioral Activation Scale and the Sensitivity to Punishment and Sensitivity to Reward Questionnaire to index self-reported reward and punishment sensitivity, and performed the Spatial Orientation Task to index attention to cues signaling reward and punishment. There was extremely strong evidence (BF10 > 100), that adolescents with AN reported higher sensitivity to punishment than adolescents without an eating disorder. However, adolescents with AN did not differ from the comparison group on self-reported reward sensitivity, and attention to cues signaling reward or punishment. Adolescents with AN clearly show heightened punishment sensitivity, yet this was not paralleled by a heightened proneness to detect signals of punishment. An important next step would be to examine whether punishment sensitivity is a reliable risk factor for the development or maintenance of AN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nienke C. Jonker
- University of Groningen, department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, Groningen, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Klaske A. Glashouwer
- University of Groningen, department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Accare Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Eating Disorders, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Albert Hoekzema
- University of Groningen, Department of Research Support, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Brian D. Ostafin
- University of Groningen, department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter J. de Jong
- University of Groningen, department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Bernardoni F, Geisler D, King JA, Javadi AH, Ritschel F, Murr J, Reiter AMF, Rössner V, Smolka MN, Kiebel S, Ehrlich S. Altered Medial Frontal Feedback Learning Signals in Anorexia Nervosa. Biol Psychiatry 2018; 83:235-243. [PMID: 29025688 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2017.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Revised: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In their relentless pursuit of thinness, individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) engage in maladaptive behaviors (restrictive food choices and overexercising) that may originate in altered decision making and learning. METHODS In this functional magnetic resonance imaging study, we employed computational modeling to elucidate the neural correlates of feedback learning and value-based decision making in 36 female patients with AN and 36 age-matched healthy volunteers (12-24 years). Participants performed a decision task that required adaptation to changing reward contingencies. Data were analyzed within a hierarchical Gaussian filter model that captures interindividual variability in learning under uncertainty. RESULTS Behaviorally, patients displayed an increased learning rate specifically after punishments. At the neural level, hemodynamic correlates for the learning rate, expected value, and prediction error did not differ between the groups. However, activity in the posterior medial frontal cortex was elevated in AN following punishment. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the neural underpinning of feedback learning is selectively altered for punishment in AN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Bernardoni
- Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Daniel Geisler
- Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Joseph A King
- Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Franziska Ritschel
- Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Eating Disorder Treatment and Research Center, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Julia Murr
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Andrea M F Reiter
- Institute of General Psychology, Biopsychology and Methods of Psychology, Department of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Lifespan Developmental Neuroscience, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Veit Rössner
- Eating Disorder Treatment and Research Center, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael N Smolka
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroimaging, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stefan Kiebel
- Institute of General Psychology, Biopsychology and Methods of Psychology, Department of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Neuroimaging, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stefan Ehrlich
- Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Eating Disorder Treatment and Research Center, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
|