Intelligence quotient and cognitive functions in severe restricting-type anorexia nervosa before and after weight gain

Abstract

ObjectiveRestricting-type anorexia nervosa (AN-R), characterized by severe emaciation with long-term food restriction, is often difficult to treat. The present study investigated the overall intelligence quotient (IQ) scores and cognitive functions of patients with AN-R. MethodsFourteen female inpatients with AN-R (body mass index 12.84 ± 0.41 kg/m2) and 10 healthy female participants participated in this study from 2007 through 2010. The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Third Edition and the Eating Disorder Inventory–II were administered. This research was performed at Kagoshima University Hospital. ResultsIn the AN-R group, overall IQ scores showed borderline intelligence (e.g., full-scale IQ 75.86 ± 1.79, P < 0.01); the scores were significantly lower than those in the comparison group. There were negative correlations between lower IQs and higher Eating Disorder Inventory–II scores. After the weight restoration, the IQ scores of subjects with AN-R with regard to the visuospatial scales were significantly higher than before (P < 0.01); however, the auditory cognitive scores were unchanged. ConclusionThese lower IQ scores could be connected to the psychological and behavioral traits in patients with AN-R. These problems should be considered by medical staff members who seek to treat patients with AN-R successfully.