Gastrointestinal Interoception and Relapse in Anorexia Nervosa.
JAMA PsychiatrySep 1, 2026
Charles Verdonk, Keller Mink, Emily Choquette et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial examined gastrointestinal interoception in 62 weight-restored females with anorexia nervosa (AN) compared to 57 healthy controls. Results indicated that participants with AN had significantly lower perceptual accuracy (Cohen d = -0.98; P = .001) and higher miss rates (Cohen d = 1.02; P < .001). Interoceptive markers were associated with relapse and symptom severity at six-month follow-up.
Key findings
- Participants with AN showed lower perceptual accuracy compared to healthy controls (Cohen d = -0.98; P = .001).
- Higher miss rates were observed in the AN group (Cohen d = 1.02; P < .001).
- Relapse was predicted by initial priors (OR, 3.82; P = .05) and response bias (OR, 5.37; P = .04).
- Eating disorder symptom severity was predicted by miss rate (β = 1.05; P = .05) and interoceptive precision (β = 5.84; P = .004).
Why it matters
Understanding gastrointestinal interoception in anorexia nervosa can help identify individuals at higher risk for relapse. This knowledge may inform treatment strategies and improve monitoring of recovery in patients.