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Can cognitive exercises help treat anorexia nervosa?

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Abstract

Cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) is used as an intervention for people with brain lesions and psychosis. This case report demonstrates the possible benefits of introducing CRT into treatment packages for anorexia nervosa (AN). In our previous work, we reported that people with AN demonstrate inflexibility in cognitive set-shifting tasks. Weight gain alone does not improve the neuropsychological profile in set-shifting tasks. This case report illustrates how training programmes can address problems in cognitive rigidity. We acknowledge the limitations of case studies, however, this is a starting point in exploring the possibilities of introducing CRT as part of the treatment of AN.

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Correspondence to Kate Tchanturia PhD.

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Tchanturia, K., Whitney, J. & Treasure, J. Can cognitive exercises help treat anorexia nervosa?. Eat Weight Disord 11, e112–e116 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03327574

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