The neuropsychological profile of children, adolescents, and young adults with anorexia nervosa

Arch Clin Neuropsychol. 2012 May;27(3):329-37. doi: 10.1093/arclin/acs032. Epub 2012 Mar 13.

Abstract

The neuropsychological profile of a sample of 155 patients with a clinical diagnosis of anorexia nervosa was assessed using a test battery specifically developed for such patients. The current findings suggest that the patients display a common neuropsychological profile including both strengths and weaknesses when compared with published norms. The patients displayed good verbal fluency skills, but performed poorly on tests of visuospatial memory, associated with relatively weak central coherence. They were within the average range on the assessment of executive functioning except for one measure of set-shifting. This study provides a valuable point of reference for clinicians when considering treatment options.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Aging*
  • Anorexia Nervosa / complications*
  • Child
  • Cognition Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Cognition Disorders / etiology*
  • Executive Function
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intelligence Tests
  • International Cooperation
  • Male
  • Memory / physiology
  • Neuropsychological Tests*
  • Norway
  • United Kingdom
  • Verbal Behavior
  • Visual Perception
  • Young Adult