1 - (SYM 78) Shared and Distinct Neuroeconomic Pathways to Cognitive Rigidity in Anorexia Nervosa and Obsessive-compulsive Personality Disorder

Abstract Body
Cognitive and behavioral rigidity drive psychological symptoms across many psychological conditions. In anorexia nervosa (AN), the narrow pursuit of weight loss becomes rigidly fixed, despite negative consequences. In obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), individuals show rigid preoccupation with order, detail, and high standards. Given the similar presentations, OCPD and AN have been presumed to share mechanisms leading to inflexibility. However, few studies have investigated this possibility. Neuroeconomics evaluates cross-species, transdiagnostic decisional miscalculations. This approach may yield precise insight into mechanisms promoting rigidity at different stages of decision-making (i.e., valuation, action selection, outcome evaluation). We will present data from two datasets: 1) AN (n = 30) and healthy control (n = 30) participants; and 2) high-OCPD trait participants (n = 21) and low OCPD-trait participants (n = 63). In both studies, participants completed the Web Surf task, a neuroeconomic paradigm that parses value-based decision-making. In the task, participants allocate a limited time budget by making decisions to stay/view or skip pleasant video offers based on enjoyment of the video category (reward) and random time delays (cost). In the valuation stage of decision-making, AN and OCPD patterns differed, with the AN group making rapid decisions tightly tied to value (F(3, 6630) = 5.45, p < .001) and the OCPD group showing more deliberation (i.e., longer reaction times) for high-value (easy) offers (F(3, 7546) = 4.54, p = .032). During action selection, AN and OCPD groups both showed choices tightly tied to reward preference (ps < .006); however, compared to controls, the AN group was more sensitive to delays (p < .001) whereas the OCPD group was less sensitive (p = .016). During outcome evaluation, the AN group demonstrated greater sensitivity to only their most preferred rewards (p < .001), whereas the OCPD group showed generalized reward sensitivity (p < .001). These results suggest that similar disorders may exhibit both overlapping and unique neuroeconomic pathways to rigidity. AN and OCPD groups may both exhibit rigid action selection. However, those with AN may arrive at that outcome due to an automatic hyper-focus on their preferred rewards (e.g., weight loss). In contrast, those with OCPD may engage in excess deliberation out of fear of making incorrect decisions for highly desired outcomes. These computational disturbances may warrant distinct targeting in cognitive and behavioral interventions.