Effects of anorexia nervosa on structural morphometry of the brain in adolescents and adults after weight recovery: A systematic review.

PURPOSE

To systematically review the evidence for 1) the effect of acute anorexia nervosa and weight recovery on aspects of structural morphometry of the brain, and 2) how these effects may differ between adolescents and adults.

METHOD

We used the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. We searched online databases (Web of Knowledge, PubMed, and PsychINFO) and identified relevant studies. Eligible studies were longitudinal and included a healthy control group.

RESULTS

Thirteen articles met the inclusion criteria. Studies often demonstrated global and regional grey matter volumes among individuals with acute anorexia nervosa compared to healthy controls, which increased following weight recovery. Grey matter volumes normalized in adolescents following weight recovery but remained smaller in recovered adults relative to their healthy controls. White matter volumes (globally and regionally) were largely unaffected by either phase of anorexia nervosa (e.g., acute and recovered). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volumes were elevated in individuals with anorexia compared to healthy counterparts, but volumes normalized following weight recovery. However, the decrease in CSF volume was only found for adolescents.

CONCLUSION

The structural morphometry of the brains of adults and adolescents with anorexia appears to be differentially affected by weight restoration. Future longitudinal research is needed that uses a consistent definition of recovery, and more diverse participants.