Targeting Habits in Anorexia Nervosa: a Proof of Concept Randomized Trial Flashcards
habit model of anorexia nervosa =
a neurobiological model of AN that proposes that restrictive eating behaviors are learned sequences of behaviors that become relatively automatic responses to specific cues -> they are habits. Cues will elicit the behavior automatically, even after rewarding outcomes are gone (compulsivity).
fMRI research over habits in AN
fMRI results show that the dorsal striatum (area associated with habitual behavior) guided food choice for patients with AN, while this is not the case for healthy controls.
= preliminary but indirect support for the habit model of AN
methodes van deze studie
- Primary measure: habit strength as measured with the Self-Report Habit Index.
- Clinical improvement: severity of anorexia nervosa as assessed by the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q).
- Conditions: comparison of standard Supportive Psychotherapy (SPT) with Regulating Emotions and Changing Habits (REaCH, a behavioral intervention aimed at cues for maladaptive behavioral routines, to reduce these behaviors).
habit strength=
= the likelihood that a behavior will be elicited by a particular stimulus or context (cue). It is a reliable measure to predict future behavior: as strength increases, intentions are less relevant in guiding behavior (so the behavior persists).
results of this study
As compared to SPT, results showed that REaCH was associated with:
* Habit strength: significantly greater reduction in habit strength (lower SRHI scores).
* Clinical improvement: significantly greater clinical improvement (lower EDE-Q scores).
conclusion of the study
REaCH changed habit strength of maladaptive routines more than an active control therapy and also yielded clinically meaningful improvement. Thus, there is proof-of-concept support for the importance of habits as the mechanism underlying the persistence of AN (habit model of AN).
