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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Eating Disorder | Research

Altered functional connectivity in adolescent anorexia nervosa is related to age and cortical thickness

Authors: Anna D. Myrvang, Torgil R. Vangberg, Clas Linnman, Kristin Stedal, Øyvind Rø, Tor Endestad, Jan H. Rosenvinge, Per M. Aslaksen

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Introduction

Functional networks develop throughout adolescence when anorexia nervosa (AN) normally debuts. In AN, cerebral structural alterations are found in most brain regions and may be related to the observed functional brain changes. Few studies have investigated the functional networks of the brain in adolescent AN patients.. The aim of this explorative study was to investigate multiple functional networks in adolescent AN patients compared to healthy age-matched controls (HC) and the relationship with age, eating disorder symptoms and structural alterations.

Methods

Included were 29 female inpatients with restrictive AN, and 27 HC. All participants were between the ages of 12 to 18 years. Independent component analysis (ICA) identified 21 functional networks that were analyzed with multivariate and univariate analyses of components and group affiliation (AN vs HC). Age, age × group interaction and AN symptoms were included as covariates. Follow-up correlational analyses of selected components and structural measures (cortical thickness and subcortical volume) were carried out.

Results

Decreased functional connectivity (FC) in AN patients was found in one cortical network, involving mainly the precuneus, and identified as a default mode network (DMN). Cortical thickness in the precuneus was significantly correlated with functional connectivity in this network. Significant group differences were also found in two subcortical networks involving mainly the hippocampus and the amygdala respectively, and a significant interaction effect of age and group was found in both these networks. There were no significant associations between FC and the clinical measures used in the study.

Conclusion

The findings from the present study may imply that functional alterations are related to structural alterations in selected regions and that the restricted food intake in AN patients disrupt normal age-related development of functional networks involving the amygdala and hippocampus.

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Title: Altered functional connectivity in adolescent anorexia nervosa is related to age and cortical thickness
Authors: Anna D. Myrvang
Torgil R. Vangberg
Clas Linnman
Kristin Stedal
Øyvind Rø
Tor Endestad
Jan H. Rosenvinge
Per M. Aslaksen
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Eating Disorder
Anorexia Nervosa
Eating Disorder
Published in: BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-021-03497-4

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Altered functional connectivity in adolescent anorexia nervosa is related to age and cortical thickness

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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