The CORTEX Project: A Pre-Post Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial Evaluating the Efficacy of a Computerized...

Area of Science:

• Clinical Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Anorexia nervosa (AN) is characterized by cognitive deficits, including reduced mental flexibility and weak central coherence, which perpetuate psychopathology.
• Computer-based cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) shows potential but requires further investigation for AN.
• Current standard care for AN may not sufficiently address underlying cognitive impairments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of computer-assisted cognitive remediation therapy (CA-CRT) integrated with standard nutritional rehabilitation (treatment as usual, TAU) for AN inpatients.
• To assess CA-CRT's impact on cognitive flexibility, central coherence, and psychological functioning in AN.
• To explore a more personalized and scalable therapeutic approach for AN treatment.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving at least 54 participants diagnosed with AN.
• Participants will be randomized into either CA-CRT plus TAU or TAU alone.
• The intervention group will receive 15 individual CA-CRT sessions and 10 individual cognitive remediation (CR) sessions over five weeks.

Main Results:

• Participants receiving CA-CRT are expected to exhibit enhanced cognitive flexibility and more integrated thinking patterns.
• Greater improvements in clinical outcomes are anticipated in the CA-CRT group compared to the control group.
• The study anticipates supporting a more personalized therapeutic strategy for AN.

Conclusions:

• Incorporating CA-CRT into standard inpatient AN treatment is likely feasible and clinically valuable.
• CA-CRT offers a scalable, individualized method to target cognitive inflexibility and poor central coherence in AN.
• This approach may improve treatment effectiveness and facilitate patient-centered interventions tailored to individual cognitive profiles.