Bernardoni F, et al. – This research analyzed the altered medial frontal feedback learning signals in individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN). According to the findings obtained, the neural underpinning of feedback learning is selectively altered for punishment in AN.

Methods

• In this fMRI study, the researchers utilized computational modelling to illustrate the neural correlates of feedback learning and value-based decision making in thirty-six female AN patients and thirty-six age-matched healthy volunteers (12-24 years).
• Members played out a decision task which required adaptation to changing reward contingencies.
• Information were analyzed within a hierarchical Gaussian filter model, which captures inter-individual variability in learning under uncertainty.

Results

• Behaviorally, patients showed an increased learning rate particularly after punishments.
• At the neural level, hemodynamic correlates for learning rate, expected value and prediction error did not vary between the groups.
• The results of this study revealed that activity in the posterior medial frontal cortex was elevated in AN following punishment.