Weak central coherence in anorexia nervosa

This chapter reports emerging evidence suggesting that some individuals with anorexia nervosa, like those with autism spectrum disorders, display ''weak central coherence'', a cognitive style characterized by a tendency to focus on detail at the expense of seeing the overall gestalt. This excessive attention to detail can seriously compromise these patients' psychological well-being and overall quality of life. It can also shape some of the symptoms and personality features that maintain the illness. This chapter addresses the history, concept and measurement of central coherence, and presents converging evidence from neuropsychological and clinical sources in relation to coherence problems in anorexia. Importantly, the chapter also describes how such evidence can be usefully translated into clinical practice and how weak central coherence and central beliefs concerning control may interact with each other.