Mood-induced changes in the cortical processing of food images in bulimia nervosa

Negative mood often triggers binge eating in bulimia nervosa (BN). We investigated motivational salience as a possible underlying mechanism using event-related potentials (ERPs) indicators of motivated attention allocation (P300) and sustained processing (LPP). collected ERPs (P300: 350–400 ms; LPP: 600–1000 ms) from 21 women with full-syndrome or partially remitted BN healthy (HC), matched for age body mass index. Idiosyncratic negative neutral situations were used to induce corresponding states (counterbalanced), before participants viewed images high- low-calorie foods objects, provided ratings pleasantness desire eat. P300 was larger than objects; LPP largest high-calorie foods, followed by then objects. The group showed an increased eat under stronger induction effects on the HC group, generally reduced small increase foods. Effects limited circumscribed electrode positions. Exploratory analyses clearer when comparing high vs. low emotional eaters. argue that decreased availability cognitive resources (decreased P300) BN, thereby facilitating disinhibition food cravings (increased desire-to-eat ratings). Increased might be linked tendencies rather pathology per se, reflect approach motivation, conflict, regulatory processes. appears complex changes image processing, whose understanding may contribute development tailored interventions future.