Electrophysiological Neuroimaging using sLORETA Comparing 12 Anorexia Nervosa Patients to 12 Controls

Abstract

Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is characterized by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental  Disorders Volume 4 (DSM IV), as one's refusal to maintain a body weight that is above the  calculated limit, which is determined by an algorithm involving one's height and weight. As more emphasis in society is placed on one's body image and appearance there has been an increase in the  prevalence of this disease. Previously, the sole diagnostic imaging modality was fMRI. Studies  determined that there was reduced blood flood in the Parahippocampal Gyrus, and Left Fusiform  Gyrus, of those afflicted with AN. Electroencephalography (EEG) was utilized as an alternative  imaging modality that was more cost effect. It was determined that the activated regions localized on the fMRI study coincided with those highlighted on the EEG report and previous fMRI studies.  The goal of this study was to determine a more cost effective way to earlier detect a diagnosis of  AN. The desired outcome would be for patients afflicted with AN to be diagnosed and treated at an  earlier stage, increasing their overall long-term survival.