Is decision making really impaired in eating disorders?
OBJECTIVE
Decision making has been reported to be reduced in eating disorders. However, studies are sparse and have been carried out in various selected populations. In the current study we arranged to confirm previous observations and to assess the relationship between decision making and dimensions relevant to eating disorders.


METHODS
Patients suffering from anorexia nervosa (n = 49), bulimia nervosa (n = 38), and healthy controls (n = 83) were assessed using the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT). All patients were euthymic and free of psychotropic medication. Self-questionnaires (Eating Disorder Inventory-2; Gardner, 1991; and Eating Attitude Test; Garner & Garfinkel, 1979) were used to assess clinical dimensions relevant to eating disorders.


RESULTS
No significant differences in IGT performance were observed between patients and healthy controls or between restrictive and purging types of anorexia nervosa. No correlations were found between IGT performance and eating disorder questionnaires.


CONCLUSIONS
These results do not support reduced decision making in patients with eating disorders, and suggest that previously reported alterations could be related to other clinical characteristics. This should stimulate new topic-related studies designed to reach a firm conclusion.
Guillaume
Sébastien
S
University of Montpellier, Inserm, Montpellier, France. guillaumesebastien@ymail.com
Sang
Caroline Ngo Ton
CN
Jaussent
Isabelle
I
Raingeard
Isabelle
I
Bringer
Jacques
J
Jollant
Fabrice
F
Courtet
Philippe
P
D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D052018:Bulimia Nervosa / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D003657:Decision Making / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires