A Review of Cognitive Biases in Individuals with Disordered Eating Patterns

Studies regarding the cognitive biases present in individuals with disordered eating patterns are reviewed. Recent research has focused on attentional and memory biases (for example, biases toward higher food and body word recall) associated with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) and Bulimia Nervosa (BN). Research concerning Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is discussed in relation to both AN and BN. Additionally, the persistence of such cognitive biases after recovery is considered for all disorders. Implications for the diagnosis and treatment of BED are considered