Stability of neuropsychological performance in anorexia nervosa.
BACKGROUND
We investigated the stability of neuropsychological performance and eating disorder (EDO) symptoms before, immediately after, and 2 years after inpatient treatment. We also examined relationships between neuropsychological and EDO measures.


METHODS
Sixteen women who were admitted for inpatient treatment of anorexia nervosa participated in three evaluations: (1) at admission to the hospital, (2) at discharge, and (3) at a follow-up exam approximately two years after discharge.


RESULTS
Body mass index increased significantly from each testing session to the next. Endorsement of eating disorder symptoms was significantly decreased at discharge and at follow-up compared to admission. In terms of cognitive performance, total scores on a brief neuropsychological battery (RBANS) were significantly greater at follow-up than at admission. We found no relationships between EDO symptoms and cognitive function at any of the three sessions.


CONCLUSIONS
The current findings suggest that EDO symptoms and cognitive performance in anorexia nervosa patients can show improvement as long as two years after hospitalization, but there is no evidence that EDO symptoms are related to neuropsychological performance.
Mikos
Ania E
AE
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA. mikos@phhp.ufl.edu
McDowell
Bradley D
BD
Moser
David J
DJ
Bayless
John D
JD
Bowers
Wayne A
WA
Andersen
Arnold E
AE
Paulsen
Jane S
JS
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010343:Patient Admission; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011594:Psychometrics; D012189:Retrospective Studies