Cognitive impairment in anorexia nervosa is not due to depressed mood

Objective: Previous research has revealed cognitive deficits in patients with anorexia nervosa. It is unclear whether these deficits are linked to co-morbid depression in this population. We examined the relationship between depressive symptoms and cognitive functioning. Method: A large sample of subjects (N = 98) was examined using a common measure of cognitive ability and two measures of depression. Results: We confirmed that there is no relationship between depression and cognitive ability in this group. Discussion: This suggests that alternative explanations be explored for cognitive deficits in patients with anorexia nervosa. (C) 2003 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.