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Clinical and Cognitive Functioning Changes After Partial Hospitalization in Patients With Anorexia Nervosa
Elena Tenconi1,2, Enrico Collantoni1, Valentina Meregalli1,2
1Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.
Frontiers in Psychiatry
|May 7, 2021
Summary
Partial hospitalization improved decision-making in anorexia nervosa patients, though executive functions remained largely unchanged. Treatment response depended on BMI and illness duration, not cognitive performance.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Anorexia nervosa is linked to emotional and cognitive challenges.
- Limited data exists on cognitive function changes during anorexia nervosa treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To longitudinally evaluate the effects of partial hospitalization on clinical and cognitive functioning in anorexia nervosa.
- To understand how treatment impacts cognitive abilities in patients with anorexia nervosa.
Main Methods:
- 56 women with anorexia nervosa and 58 healthy controls underwent baseline assessments (T0).
- Anorexia nervosa patients were reassessed post-treatment (T1).
- Assessments included clinical, diagnostic, and neuropsychological evaluations.
Main Results:
- Body Mass Index (BMI) significantly improved during treatment.
- Anorexia nervosa patients exhibited poorer executive functions and autobiographical memory at baseline.
- Decision-making abilities significantly improved after partial hospitalization.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive monitoring and inhibition appear stable, while decision-making is sensitive to clinical status in anorexia nervosa.
- Cognitive performance did not predict treatment response.
- Shorter illness duration and lower BMI at admission may indicate better response to intensive interventions.
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