Abstract
Aim
To explore the relationship between visuospatial memory, weak central coherence, and eating disorder (ED) symptoms in anorexia nervosa (AN) inpatients.
Sample
31 female AN inpatients.
Methods
Rey complex figure test (RCFT) was used to assess both visuospatial memory and central coherence. RCFT consisted of copy and recall trials. ED symptoms were assessed by The Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q) and The Clinical and Research Inventory for Eating Disorders (CR-EAT).
Results
We found a statistically significant negative correlation between recall accuracy and the total EDE-Q score. Furthermore, recall accuracy and recall central coherence significantly negatively correlate with several EDE-Q and CR-EAT scales.
Conclusions
These findings may contribute to a better understanding of cognitive impairments specifically in ED, and to refining interventions aiming at their improvement.
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Acknowledgments
This work was supported by funding from the FP6 Marie Curie Research Training Network INTACT (Individually tailored stepped care for women with eating disorders; Reference Number: MRTN-CT-2006-035988) and from the grant IGA MZ (Internal Grant Agency of the Ministry of Health) NT 14094-3.
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On behalf of all authors, the corresponding author states that there is no conflict of interest.
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Zuchova, S., Kubena, A.A., Erler, T. et al. Neuropsychological variables and clinical status in anorexia nervosa: relationship between visuospatial memory and central coherence and eating disorder symptom severity. Eat Weight Disord 18, 421–428 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40519-013-0062-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40519-013-0062-7