A Review of Eating Disorders: Complications and Cognitive Aspects

Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, pica, avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, and rumination disorder are eating disorders defined according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 (DSM V). Eating disorders have the second-highest case fatality rate among all mental illnesses. They are associated with numerous physical and psychological complications. These complications affect multiple systems, including the cardiovascular, dermatological, gastrointestinal, endocrine, and neurological systems, leading to serious health consequences. Nutritional deficiencies, gastrointestinal issues, and psychiatric disorders are particularly prevalent, and some complications may be irreversible. In addition, previous studies have shown that individuals with eating disorders have cognitive deficits compared to healthy individuals. Particularly in attention, memory, and cognitive flexibility. Leptin, an adipokine involved in energy regulation, neurogenesis, and learning, is also known to be reduced in individuals with eating disorders. Leptin deficiency is believed to be one of the underlying factors contributing to cognitive dysfunction in these individuals. Moreover, inadequate and unbalanced nutrition is a key factor driving cognitive impairments in individuals with eating disorders. Therefore, it is crucial to assess cognitive functions and examine nutritional habits in individuals with eating disorders. This review aims to provide an overview of eating disorders, discuss their complications, and synthesize research exploring the relationship between eating disorders and cognition.

Keywords: Cognition, complications, eating disorders.