Exploring alternatives for adolescent anorexia nervosa: adolescent and parent treatment (APT) as a novel intervention prospect.

Recovery and remission rates of adolescent anorexia nervosa (AN) following Family Based Treatment (FBT) have seen a relative decline over recent years. While reasonably successful in achieving physical recovery (i.e.

Feasibility of group Cognitive Remediation Therapy in an adult eating disorder day program in New Zealand.

Objective: To explore the feasibility of integrating group Cognitive Remediation Therapy (gCRT) into an eating disorder day program in Auckland, New Zealand.

Method: A consecutive series of 28 patients took part over an 8-month period in the context of a service audit. Main outcome measures were the Detail and Flexibility Questionnaire (DFlex) and qualitative feedback from patients.

Is attention to detail a similarly strong candidate endophenotype for anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa?

Objectives: To investigate whether attention to detail is a similarly strong candidate endophenotype of anorexia (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN), and to explore the incidence and clinical correlates of attention to detail.

Methods: A total of 266 women (including AN, BN, recovered AN, unaffected sisters of AN/BN & control women) undertook a thorough clinical assessment and were administered two neuropsychological measures of attention to detail (Group Embedded Figure Test; Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure).

Results: Superior attention to detail was found across all AN groups including recovered AN and unaffected AN sisters.

Development and validation of the Detail and Flexibility Questionnaire (DFlex) in eating disorders.

Whilst neuropsychological testing provides the most accurate profile of cognitive functioning, the time consuming nature of individual assessment deems it impossible for many research and clinical settings. This paper presents the development and validation of the Detail and Flexibility Questionnaire (DFlex), a 24-item self-report scale measuring two aspects of neurocognitive functioning; cognitive rigidity (difficulty with set-shifting/flexibility) and attention to detail (weak coherence). Exploratory factor analysis extracted two subscales, further confirmed and refined by item response analysis.

Exploring the neurocognitive signature of poor set-shifting in anorexia and bulimia nervosa.

Poor set-shifting has been implicated as a risk marker, maintenance factor and candidate endophenotype of eating disorders (ED). This study aimed to add clarity to the cognitive profile of set-shifting by examining the trait across ED subtypes, assessing whether it is a state or trait marker, and whether it runs in families. A battery of neuropsychological tasks was administered to 270 women with current anorexia (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN), women recovered from AN, unaffected sisters of AN and BN probands, and healthy control women.

Models as a high-risk group: the health implications of a size zero culture.

The size zero culture of the fashion industry is damaging not only to the general public but also to the models themselves. This editorial explores mechanisms unique to this population that increase the risk of developing an eating disorder, and discusses the potential for successful intervention by the fashion and beauty industries in the modelling world.

Using neuropsychological feedback therapeutically in treatment for anorexia nervosa: two illustrative case reports.

Information processing in anorexia nervosa (AN) has been characterised as having a tendency to get trapped in detail, and having difficulties with set-shifting. These characteristics can be addressed in treatment through personalised interventions targeting thinking styles and their role in the development and maintenance of an eating disorder (ED). This paper outlines a three-session assessment and feedback module designed to identify and address these information processing biases.

Are obsessive-compulsive personality traits associated with a poor outcome in anorexia nervosa? A systematic review of randomized controlled trials and naturalistic outcome studies.

Objective: Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) traits are commonly associated with anorexia nervosa (AN). The aim of this review was to systematically search the literature to examine whether OCPD traits have an impact on the outcome of AN.

Method: A systematic electronic search of the literature (using Medline, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) was undertaken to identify relevant publications (randomized controlled trials (RCT's) and naturalistic studies), until February 2006.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of set-shifting ability in eating disorders.

Background: The aim was to critically appraise and synthesize the literature relating to set-shifting ability in eating disorders. PsycINFO, Medline, and Web of Science databases were searched to December 2005. Hand searching of eating-disorder journals and relevant reference sections was also undertaken.