Ismara Santos Rocha Conceição

Dr. Ismara Santos Rocha Conceição


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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25 October 2023 in Behavioral Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ICIsmara Santos Rocha Conceição
Ismara Santos Rocha Conceição
DGDavid Garcia-Burgos
David Garcia-Burgos
PMPatrícia Fortes Cavalcanti De Macedo
Patrícia Fortes Cavalcanti De Macedo
CNCarina Marcia Magalhães Nepomuceno
Carina Marcia Magalhães Nepomuceno
EPEmile Miranda Pereira
Emile Miranda Pereira
MSMônica Leila Portela de Santana
Mônica Leila Portela de Santana
The aetiology of anorexia nervosa (AN) presents a puzzle for researchers. Recent research has sought to understand the behavioural and neural mechanisms of these patients’ persistent choice of calorie restriction. This scoping review aims to map the literature on the contribution of habit-based learning to food restriction in AN. PRISMA-ScR guidelines were adopted. The search strategy was applied to seven databases and to grey literature. A total of 35 studies were included in this review. The results indicate that the habit-based learning model has gained substantial attention in current research, employing neuroimaging methods, scales, and behavioural techniques. Food choices were strongly associated with dorsal striatum activity, and habitual food restriction based on the self-report restriction index was associated with clinical impairment in people chronically ill with restricting AN. High-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-rTMS) and Regulating Emotions and Changing Habits (REaCH) have emerged as potential treatments. Future research should employ longitudinal studies to investigate the time required for habit-based learning and analyse how developmental status, such as adolescence, influences the role of habits in the progression and severity of diet-related illnesses. Ultimately, seeking effective strategies to modify persistent dietary restrictions controlled by habits remains essential.