Brain imaging studies on neural basis of cognition and effectiveness of treatment in eating disorder

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24791213
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Psychiatric science
• Research Institution: Hiroshima University
• Principal Investigator: MIYAKE YOSHIE 広島大学, 保健管理センター, 講師 (70548990)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: 摂食障害

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine the brain responses in anorexia nervosa (AN) patients and healthy women during the processing of negative words concerning interpersonal relationships. We investigated the
relationship between alexithymia levels and brain activation in AN. AN patients showed significant activation of the orbitofrontal cortex, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and medial prefrontal cortex while processing negative words concerning interpersonal relationships, as compared to the processing of neutral words. Posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) negatively correlated with the level of alexithymia in AN. Functional abnormalities associated with alexithymia may be involved in the emotional processing impairments in AN patients.

Free Research Field

摂食障害