A reward-centred model of anorexia nervosa: A focussed narrative review of the neurological and psychophysiological literature

Models of eating disorders: a theoretical investigation of abnormal eating patterns and body image disturbance

“…3 The 'transdiagnostic' theory of eating disorders: cognitive behavioural approach (adapted from Fairburn et al) [12] A reward-centred model for the development and maintenance of anorexia nervosa A significant amount of research shows that neurobiological and psychophysiological factors are relevant to the development and maintenance of eating disorders [16,24]. Both groups of factors lead to a distortion of body image and to abnormal eating patterns [25,26].…”

“…Both groups of factors lead to a distortion of body image and to abnormal eating patterns [25,26]. It is worth pointing out that reward association learning is relevant in the treatment of persistent symptoms of anorexia nervosa (the formation of a connection between desirable behaviors and a reward) and is related to increase dopamine activity [16].…”

“…The reward-centred model for the development and maintenance of anorexia nervosa emphasises that the process of the development of anorexia nervosa encompasses several groups of factors [16]. The first group are: triggers (e.g.…”

“…Behaviors of anorexia support an increase in dopamine activity which perpetuates the negative cognitive biases associated with anorexia nervosa (related to eating, weight and shape). Thus, persistent symptoms of anorexia nervosa lead to the formation of a fullblown syndrome (Figure 4) [16]. …”

“…This paper further describes the "transdiagnostic" theory and treatment of eating disorders [15] as well as the reward-centred model for the development and maintenance of anorexia nervosa [16]. In addition, the Eating Issues and Body Continuum [17], representing a range of eating behaviours and attitudes towards food and body image, ranging from normal to pathological behaviour, is shown.…”