An fMRI Study of Self-Regulatory Control and Conflict Resolution in Adolescents With Bulimia Nervosa

• DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2011.11010094
• Publication Date: 2011-06-16T04:54:13Z
• Authors: Rachel Marsh; Guillermo Horga; Zhishun Wang; Pengwei Wang; Kristin W. Klahr; Laura A. Berner; B. Timothy Walsh; Bradley S. Peterson
• Keywords: Binge eating

The authors examined functional activity in the frontostriatal systems that mediate self-regulatory capacities and conflict resolution adolescents with bulimia nervosa.Functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to compare blood-oxygen-level-dependent response 18 female nervosa healthy age-matched subjects during performance on a Simon spatial incompatibility task. Bayesian analyses were two groups patterns of brain activation correct responses stimuli explore effects antecedent stimulus context group differences self-regulation resolution.Adolescents without performed similarly During trials, circuits-including right inferolateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortices putamen-failed activate same degree as comparison subjects. Instead, deactivation seen left inferior frontal gyrus well neural system encompassing posterior cingulate cortex superior gyrus. Group cortical striatal regions driven by differential preceded nonconflict stimuli, respectively.When engaging control processes necessary resolve conflict, displayed abnormal default-mode systems. Their processing conditioned their differently from subjects, specifically regions. It is suspected disturbances portions may release feeding behaviors regulatory control, thereby perpetuating conflicting desires consume fattening foods avoid weight gain characterize nervosa.