The P300 and the late positive potential (LPP) were higher across all conditions for food relative to non-food pictures. In the 鈥榠ncrease condition鈥?the food images were rated as more appetizing and arousing than during passive viewing which was accompanied by increased amplitudes of the P300 and LPP. In contrast, the 鈥榳atch condition鈥?and the 鈥榙ecrease condition鈥?did not differ with regard to appetite and arousal ratings as well as ERPs. Amplitudes of late positive potentials in the 鈥榙ecrease condition鈥?were positively correlated with scores on eating disorder scales indicating bulimic tendencies.
The ERP data show that the appetitive value of food cues can easily be enhanced via reappraisal but is difficult to reduce, especially in women who display non-clinical forms of purging. The reduced ERP reactivity might constitute a risk factor for bulimia nervosa. Future longitudinal-prospective studies should follow up on this aspect.