Journal Article

Effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation of the right inferior parietal lobe on the body image perception in anorexia nervosa: A pilot randomized controlled study

Chastan, Nathalie, Nutrition, Inflammation et axe Microbiote-Intestin-Cerveau (ADEN) ; Université de Rouen Normandie (UNIROUEN) ; Normandie Université (NU)-Normandie Université (NU)-Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB) ; Université de Rouen Normandie (UNIROUEN) ; Normandie Université (NU)-Normandie Université (NU)-Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Université de Rouen Normandie (UNIROUEN) ; Normandie Université (NU)-Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Service d'Hépato-Gastro-Enterologie et Nutrition [CHU Caen] ; Université de Caen Normandie (UNICAEN) ; Normandie Université (NU)-Normandie Université (NU)-CHU Caen ; Normandie Université (NU)-Tumorothèque de Caen Basse-Normandie (TCBN)-Tumorothèque de Caen Basse-Normandie (TCBN), Département

2024

Overview

Introduction Restrictive anorexia nervosa (AN) is associated with distorted perception of body shape, previously linked to hypoactivity and reduced excitability of the right inferior parietal lobe (rIPL). Here, we investigated the impact of high‐frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF rTMS) of the rIPL on body shape perception in patients with AN. Methods Seventeen patients with AN (median [Q1_Q3] age, 35 [27_39] years; disease duration, 12 [6_18] years) were randomly assigned to receive real or sham HF (10 Hz) rTMS of the rIPL over a period of 2 weeks, comprising 10 sessions. The primary outcome measure was the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ). Secondary outcomes included eating disorder symptoms, body mass index, mood, anxiety, and safety. Data collection were done at baseline, post‐rTMS, and at 2 weeks and 3 months post‐rTMS. Results Following both real and sham rTMS of the rIPL, no significant differences were observed in body shape perception or other parameters. Both real and sham rTMS interventions were deemed safe and well tolerated. Notably, serious adverse events were associated with the underlying eating and mood disorders, resulting in hospitalization for undernutrition (five patients) or suicidal attempts (two patients). Conclusion This pilot study does not support the use of rTMS of the rIPL as an effective method for improving body shape perception in individuals with the restrictive form of AN. Further research is warranted to comprehensively explore both the clinical and neurophysiological effects of HF rTMS in this population.

• Publisher: Wiley Open Access,HAL CCSD,John Wiley & Sons, Inc,John Wiley and Sons Inc,Wiley
• Subject: Adult / Anorexia / anorexia nervosa / Anorexia Nervosa - physiopathology / Anorexia Nervosa - therapy / Anxiety / Body image / Body Image - psychology / Body mass index / Brain research / Brief Report / Bulimia / Comorbidity / Eating disorders / Female / Food / Human health and pathology / Humans / Life Sciences / Magnetic resonance imaging / Male / Neurons and Cognition / Parietal Lobe - physiopathology / Patients / Pilot Projects / Psychiatrics and mental health / Questionnaires / repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation / right inferior parietal lobe / Santé publique et épidémiologie / Self image / Transcranial magnetic stimulation / Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation - methods / Treatment Outcome