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Habits and Persistent Food Restriction in Patients with Anorexia Nervosa: A Scoping Review
Ismara Santos Rocha Conceição1, David Garcia-Burgos2, Patrícia Fortes Cavalcanti de Macêdo1
1Graduate Program in Food, Nutrition and Health, School of Nutrition, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador 40110-907, Brazil.
Behavioral Sciences (Basel, Switzerland)
|November 24, 2023
Summary
Habit-based learning significantly influences persistent calorie restriction in anorexia nervosa (AN). Research highlights dorsal striatum activity and identifies potential treatments like HF-rTMS and REaCH for modifying these ingrained dietary habits.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Anorexia nervosa (AN) etiology remains complex, with recent focus on behavioral and neural mechanisms of persistent calorie restriction.
- Understanding the role of habit-based learning is crucial for developing effective AN interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively map existing literature on the contribution of habit-based learning to food restriction in anorexia nervosa.
- To identify current research methodologies and emerging treatment strategies.
Main Methods:
- A scoping review following PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
- Systematic search across seven databases and grey literature.
- Inclusion of 35 studies employing neuroimaging, scales, and behavioral techniques.
Main Results:
- The habit-based learning model is a significant focus in current AN research.
- Dorsal striatum activity is strongly linked to food choices in AN.
- Habitual food restriction correlates with clinical impairment in chronically ill individuals with restricting AN.
Conclusions:
- Habit-based learning plays a key role in the persistent dietary restrictions observed in anorexia nervosa.
- High-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-rTMS) and Regulating Emotions and Changing Habits (REaCH) show promise as therapeutic interventions.
- Future research should explore longitudinal impacts of habit formation and developmental influences, particularly during adolescence, on AN progression.
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