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Updated: Aug 4, 2026
07:46
Using the Activity-based Anorexia Rodent Model to Study the Neurobiological Basis of Anorexia Nervosa
Published on: October 22, 2015
Subjective self-control and behavioural impulsivity coexist in anorexia nervosa
G K L Butler1, A M J Montgomery
1Department of Psychology, University of Greenwich, Eltham, London SE9 2UG, UK. GK.Butler@Kingston.ac.uk
Eating Behaviors
|April 28, 2005
Summary
Women with anorexia nervosa (AN) show lower self-reported impulsivity but exhibit more impulsive behavior on tasks. This suggests a complex relationship between impulsivity and disordered eating in AN, potentially indicating low self-awareness.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Anorexia nervosa (AN) is frequently linked to difficulties in impulse regulation.
- Understanding impulsivity is crucial for effective AN treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate subjective and behavioral impulsivity in women diagnosed with anorexia nervosa.
- To compare impulsivity levels between AN patients and a healthy control group.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Impulsiveness, Venturesomeness, and Empathy Questionnaire (IVE) for self-reported impulsivity.
- Employed a Continuous Performance Task (CPT) and a risk-taking measure (Bets 16) for behavioral impulsivity assessment.
- Included the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) to assess depressive symptoms.
Main Results:
- The AN group reported lower impulsivity and venturesomeness.
- Despite self-reported control, AN participants demonstrated impulsive behavior on the CPT, characterized by increased errors of commission and faster reaction times.
- Elevated Beck Depression Inventory scores were observed in the AN group.
Conclusions:
- The findings reveal a complex interplay between self-perceived self-control and actual impulsive behavior in anorexia nervosa.
- This complexity challenges previous understandings of the impulsivity-disordered eating link in AN.
- The results support the hypothesis that individuals with AN may possess diminished self-awareness.
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