Module 6

Question 1

Habit formation in AN

Answer 1

Rigid habits develop from the once goal-directed behaviour, as they are reinforced by the weight loss and feeling of control. This could even be enhanced by increased reward sensitivity due to starvation

Strict rules can lead to strong S-R associations between very stable contexts & behaviours. No clear evidence for habit formation tho

Question 2

Stress

Answer 2

Can strengthen habit formation, as wel as the negative reinforcement of weight gain, leading to compulsive, possible therapy-resistant behaviour. Like in OCD SUD

Question 3

Executive functions

Answer 3

Like SUD/OCD, AN patients have impaired set shifting
Performance is bad on Iowa card sorting & WGT.

BUT better at delay discounting.

No slips-of-action / shock avoidance task results (habit)

Question 4

REaCH

Answer 4

Manualised psych intervention w 4 principal components:
- Cue-awareness
- creation of new behavioural routine
- Supression of maladaptive habit
- Emotion regulation

Ph 1: develop inventory of habit
ph2” analysis of target behaviour
ph3; habit change strategies, (reversal/stimulus control/exposure/RE)
ph4; evaluate/adjust

Result: effective in lowering habit strength of ill-related behaviour. BUT doesn’t target dietary patters or specific cognitive distortions