Differentiation of cognitive and motor aspects in a digit symbol substitution test in Anorexia nervosa patients, before and after weight restoration

Psychopathology
Guido PietersBernard G C Sabbe

Abstract

In a previous study, using computerized analysis of fine motor behaviour, seriously underweight anorexia nervosa patients in the early phase of treatment were found to have shorter reaction times, but not movement times, in experimental drawing and copying tasks. These differences persisted with weight restoration. Using computerized analysis of writing and drawing behaviour during the performance of a Digit Symbol Substitution Test, 15 anorexia nervosa patients were compared with 15 normal controls, matched for age, sex and educational level. Patients were retested after weight restoration, as were controls after a similar interval. Patients turned out to be superior in the cognitive, but not in the motor aspects of the Digit Symbol Substitution Test. These differences persisted after weight restoration. A practice effect, due to repeated testing, was found in both groups, which turned out to be cognitive in nature. The findings show that this new technique can add to the interpretation of classic neuropsychological tests. The results are compatible with previous findings of intact or even superior functioning in anorexia nervosa patients on neuropsychological tasks requiring considerable cognitive effort.

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Citations

Jun 27, 2008·Psychiatry Research·Laura SouthgateJanet Treasure
Jul 22, 2009·Journal of Neuropsychology·Konstantine K ZakzanisAngelina Polsinelli
May 22, 2010·The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry : the Official Journal of the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry·Elena TenconiAngela Favaro
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May 20, 2016·Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention : a Publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, Cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology·Zhiwei LiuWeimin Ye

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Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a psychiatric condition characterized by severe weight loss and secondary problems associated with malnutrition. Here is the latest research on AN.

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