Brain networks in eating disorders: a systematic review of graph theory studies

Abstract

Purpose Recent evidence from neuroimaging research has shown that eating disorders (EDs) are characterized by alterations in interconnected neural systems, whose characteristics can be usefully described by connectomics tools. The present paper aimed to review the neuroimaging literature in EDs employing connectomic tools, and, specifically, graph theory analysis. Methods A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify studies employing graph theory analysis on patients with eating disorders published before the 22nd of June 2020. Results Twelve studies were included in the systematic review. Ten of them address anorexia nervosa (AN) (AN = 199; acute AN = 85, weight recovered AN with acute diagnosis = 24; fully recovered AN = 90). The remaining two articles address patients with bulimia nervosa (BN) (BN = 48). Global and regional unbalance in segregation and integration properties were described in both disorders. Discussion The literature concerning the use of connectomics tools in EDs evidenced the presence of alterations in the topological characteristics of brain networks at a global and at a regional level. Changes in local characteristics involve areas that have been demonstrated to be crucial in the neurobiology and pathophysiology of EDs. Regional imbalances in network properties seem to reflect on global patterns. Level of evidence Level I, systematic review.

Volume and complexity of the thalamus in Anorexia Nervosa: An exploratory evaluation

“…In this regard, some recent graph‐theory based studies evidenced that the thalamus may be involved in some integrative impairments among specific brain areas and circuits in eating disorders and in AN as well (Collantoni et al., 2022).…”

The neurobiological reward system and binge eating: A critical systematic review of neuroimaging studies

“…After data extraction, the risk of bias in each individual study was evaluated with an index based on the guidelines for neuroimaging research in patients with an eating disorder (Collantoni et al, 2021; Frank et al, 2018; Olivo et al, 2019). It includes 27 items that assess study design, participant characteristics, and analysis methods.…”

“…The number of studies investigating the neurobiological reward system in BE has been steadily increasing. Some of these studies have also been the topic of reviews (Bello & Hajnal, 2010; Collantoni et al, 2021; Donnelly et al, 2018; Frank, 2013; Gianni et al, 2020; Hartogsveld et al, 2022b; Hiluy et al, 2021; Kessler et al, 2016; Mele et al, 2020; Steward et al, 2018; Wonderlich et al, 2021; Yu et al, 2022). However, these reviews have often focused on specific brain reward pathways (e.g., dopamine transmission, brain activity, and functional connectivity) and have frequently lacked a clear theoretical framework.…”

Negative mood induction effects on problem-solving task in women with eating disorders: a multi-method examination

“…Individuals with EDs show cognitive and neurobiological differences compared to healthy controls that contribute to challenges in certain emotional and executive functioning domains, such as impulsivity and cognitive flexibility, areas that have shown to interfere with problem-solving [ 6 – 11 ]. For instance, there is evidence of frontostriatal circuit differences in EDs which may alter emotion self-regulatory skill [ 12 , 13 ]. In individuals with EDs, there may also be alterations in insula activity, a brain area that integrates emotional and cognitive information with other sensory information and interoceptive cues [ 6 , 7 ].…”