TY  - JOUR
A1  - Pollatos, Olga
A1  - Kurz, Anne-Lene
A1  - Albrecht, Jessica
A1  - Schreder, Tatjana
A1  - Kleemann, Anna Maria
A1  - Schöpf, Veronika
A1  - Kopietz, Rainer
A1  - Wiesmann, Martin
A1  - Schandry, Rainer
T1  - Reduced perception of bodily signals in anorexia nervosa
N2  - OBJECTIVE: Interoceptive awareness is known to be impaired in eating disorders. To date, it has remained unclear whether this variable is related to the construct of interoceptive sensitivity. Interoceptive sensitivity is considered to be an essential variable in emotional processes. The objective of the study was to elucidate this potential relationship and to clarify whether general interoceptive sensitivity is reduced in anorexia nervosa. METHODS: Using a heartbeat perception task, interoceptive sensitivity was assessed in 28 female patients with anorexia nervosa and 28 matched healthy controls. Questionnaires assessing interoceptive awareness (EDI) and several other variables were also administered. RESULTS: Patients with anorexia nervosa displayed significantly decreased interoceptive sensitivity. They also had more difficulties in interoceptive awareness. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to a decreased ability to recognize certain visceral sensations related to hunger, there is a generally reduced capacity to accurately perceive bodily signals in anorexia nervosa. This highlights the potential importance of interoceptive sensitivity in the pathogenesis of eating disorders.
Y1  - 2008
SN  - 1471-0153
ER  -