Are poor set-shifting and central coherence associated with everyday function in anorexia nervosa? A systematic review

Authors: Dann, K. M., Hay, P., & Touyz, S.

Journal of Eating Disorders, 9(1), 1-17.

The current review gathers existing evidence regarding whether poor performance on tests of cognitive flexibility and detail-oriented processing are associated with difficulties in everyday function for people with Anorexia Nervosa. A literature search identified 13 articles which included data which address this question. The associations between poor performance on cognitive tests and day-to-day function were not strong, and were noted only in adult and mixed-aged groups. In younger samples, self-report measures of everyday cognitive skills appear to be more sensitive to function issues. Overall this review suggests that more research is needed to better understand how group differences on cognitive flexibility and detail-oriented processing tests relate to daily functioning for individuals with Anorexia Nervosa. It is recommended that future research should also measure cognitive strengths which may be used to compensate for cognitive weaknesses in everyday life.

Key Topics: early identification, early intervention, access to treatment, treatment, risk factors, prevention