Influence of Control Deprivation on the Use of the Analytical Cognitive Style in Anorexic Subjects

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Cognitive Control Deprivation Task: The investigators will measure the reaction time to the detection of a stimulus requiring analytical information processing compared with the time required to detect a stimulus requiring global information processing. These measurements will be carried out before and after a cognitive control deprivation experiment, which will be used to activate a need for control in the experimental context. The two measures will then be compared to examine the changes that occur after the deprivation of control.

Study summary

The use of an analytical cognitive style is a specific feature of anorexia nervosa and is thought to contribute to the maintenance of the disorder, in particular by encouraging fragmented body perception and a focus on certain parts of the body to the detriment of overall harmony and coherence. The need for control has also been described as an important element in the pathology. At the same time, some authors have shown that, outside of any pathology, recourse to the analytical cognitive style could respond to a need to restore control and, in turn, improve the feeling of control. However, at present, no causal relationship has been demonstrated between the feeling of loss of control and the analytical cognitive style in anorexia nervosa. However, such a relationship would enable us to gain a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of the disorder and to better target the treatment of patients.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Reaction time — Baseline (before cognitive control deprivation) and immediately post-task (after cognitive control deprivation on Day 1)

Trial sites (1)

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