Effectiveness of “Cognitive Remediation Therapy” (CRT) on Cognitive Flexibility and Spatial Visual Component of Working Memory in Patients with Anorexia Nervosa

Patients with anorexia nervosa show high levels of cognitive inflexibility and deficits in the spatial visual component of working memory. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of “Cognitive Remediation Therapy” (CRT) on cognitive flexibility and spatial visual component of working memory in patients with anorexia nervosa.

The method of the present study is a single case experiment with non-concurrent multiple baseline design. The study was performed on three subjects with anorexia nervosa from 16-30 years old who referred to psychiatric and psychological clinics and clinics and educational counseling centers in Isfahan who were purposefully selected in the study. Three participants before the intervention, during the intervention and after the intervention using the "The Eating Attitudes Test ", " Wisconsin Card Sort Task: computer version "and “Corsi Block Test” were evaluated. The validity and reliability of the tests have been reviewed and confirmed in previous studies. “Cognitive Remediation Therapy” included behavioral tasks and 16 cognitive tasks focusing on cognitive flexibility and the spatial visual component of working memory. Participants received 10 sessions of 60 minutes of “Cognitive Remediation Therapy”. Data were analyzed using SPSS. 21.

The effect of “Cognitive Remediation Therapy” on cognitive flexibility and spatial visual component of working memory in the patients studied in this study was effective. 51% improved in cognitive flexibility. To determine the differences clinically, Cohen effect size d index was used. The rate of this index in the cognitive flexibility and spatial visual component of working memory was higher than 0.8 and significant.

“Cognitive Remediation Therapy” was effective on cognitive flexibility and spatial visual component of working memory. It is recommended to use this therapy to improve cognitive flexibility and spatial visual component of working memory in education counseling centers.