The complexity of feeling wider but not generally bigger : A systematic review of body image assessment using tactile size estimation in anorexia nervosa

Abstract: Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is a severe and complex psychiatric disorder characterized by significantly low body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image. Despite otherwise successful treatments, body image distortions are often persistent and are considered a critical factor in the persistence, development, and relapse of AN. The present review outlines the current literature on tactile distance processing in AN to investigate and discuss its proposed role in the persistence and development of a distorted body image. The discussion of literature further discusses its implications for cognitive neuroscience since AN patients display similar symptoms as patients diagnosed with body image-related neuropsychiatric disorders with damage to the parietal lobe. The evidence suggests that individuals with AN have poorer tactile distance estimation than controls but do not differ regarding tactile detection. This review outlines the current literature, identifies gaps within the methodology, and proposes novel directions for future research.