What is the neuropsychological functioning of EDs?
Do ED endophenotypes have a genetic basis?
Endophenotypes are state independent and heritable measures of neuropsychiatric functioning, which are able to reduce genetic heterogeneity. We have investigated various possible genetic endophenotypes of EDs, including personality traits (e.g. perfectionism, autistic traits etc.) and neuropsychological tasks of rigidity and preservation. Within each of these areas there is further work to be done to examine the specificity of the endophenotypes (in most cases most of the criteria have only been met for AN). Our research therefore aims to further investigate some of these endophenotypes for EDs in clinical and community samples.
Selected Publications:
Giles, S., Hughes, L., Fuller-Tyszkiewic, M., Krug, I. (2020). The cognitive-interpersonal model of disordered eating: A test of the mediating role of alexithymia. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW. doi:10.1002/erv.2720
Kanakam, N., Krug, I., Collier, D., & Treasure, J. (2017). Altered Reward Reactivity as a Behavioural Endophenotype in Eating Disorders: A Pilot Investigation in Twins. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW, 25(3), 195-204. doi:10.1002/erv.2512
Kanakam, N., Krug, I., Raoult, C., Collier, D., & Treasure, J. (2013). Social and Emotional Processing as a Behavioural Endophenotype in Eating Disorders: A Pilot Investigation in Twins. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW, 21(4), 294-307. doi:10.1002/erv.2232