Cognitive remediation therapy as an adjunct to standard care in improving cognitive function in adolescents with anorexia nervosa

Abstract

Overview: In Malta, anorexia nervosa affects mostly adolescents, impacting negatively their quality of life (Falzon Aquilina et al., 2016). Currently, there is lack of anorexia treatment aimed to improve the cognition of these individuals. Cognitive remediation therapy is a nonpharmacological adjunct intervention that improves cognition in adolescents recovering from anorexia (Timko et al., 2018). The aim of this study was thus to analyse literature on cognitive remediation therapy as an adjunct treatment in adolescents with anorexia. Research Question: As an Adjunct Therapy to Standard Anorexia Nervosa Treatment, how Effective is Cognitive Remediation Therapy (I) in Improving the Cognitive Function (O) of Adolescents (P) undergoing Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa? Eligibility Criteria: Articles written in English and published between 2010 and 2020 were considered for this study, while the participants’ age range had to be between 10 and 19 years. Only adolescents receiving treatment for anorexia on an inpatient and/or outpatient basis were included. Additionally, pilot studies, surveys, and books were excluded. Methods: The literature search strategy was guided by eligibility criteria. Various databases, including HyDi and Google Scholar, were used during the literature search, yielding four relevant studies, namely, one systematic review, one nonrandomised controlled trial, and two uncontrolled trials. The studies were critically appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool and Critical Appraisal Skills Programme. Results: Most studies reported improved neurocognitive functions of adolescent patients, including improved central coherence, set-shifting, executive functioning/memory, and moods. Along with improvement in cognition, the studies reported improved psychological and physical outcomes, increased adherence to treatment, and improved overall wellbeing. Conclusion: The identified literature was of a low design quality; therefore, the results should be interpreted with caution. Further education to health care professionals and the public should be given to promote research and improve treatment guidelines associated with anorexia nervosa. all wellbeing.