Differences in set-shifting and central coherence across anorexia nervosa subtypes in children and adolescents

Regarding executive functioning in anorexia nervosa (AN), little is known about differences between the restricting (AN-R) and binge eating/purging (AN-BP) subtypes. Especially for adolescents, there is sparse data. Hence, the current aim is to investigate differences in set-shifting, central coherence, and self-reported executive functioning across adolescent AN subtypes.

Ninety AN-R, 21 AN-BP, and 63 controls completed an extensive assessment battery including neuropsychological tests for executive functioning and the self-report questionnaire Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning.

Patients with AN-R and AN-BP did not differ on neuropsychological measures, and both performed similarly to controls. Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning scores fell within the normal range with AN subtypes showing mostly comparable ratings. AN-BP patients scored higher on 2 composite indices and the "shift" subscale compared with AN-R.

The results suggest similar cognitive functioning in adolescent AN subtypes as well as healthy controls. However, more research is needed to draw more general conclusions.