Neurochemical abnormalities of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa

Article Abstract:

Current research on the eating disorders anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa was reviewed, with an emphasis upon neurochemical processes. Both syndromes involve major disturbances in eating behavior and excessive concern with body weight and diet. Anorexia is strictly defined as a refusal to maintain minimum body weight, fear of gaining weight, and absence of menstruation in females for three months in a row. Bulimia is characterized by a loss of control over eating behavior followed by self-induced vomiting, dieting or other methods to keep from gaining weight. Analysis of clinical, demographic, and psychometric characteristics of these two conditions does not provide a clear separation of the disorders and it is possible that they are biochemically related. It is known that several central nervous system (CNS) neurotransmitters and neuromodulators are involved with the regulation of eating behavior in animals. Neurotransmitters are chemicals released in response to various stimuli to facilitate the transmission of nerve signals to and from the brain. Neurochemical abnormalities have been associated with these two disorders but it is unknown whether changes in the CNS precede, follow, or occur concurrently with the onset of these conditions. Results of data indicate that neurochemical alteration may perpetuate these abnormal eating behaviors and may explain symptoms of depression and anxiety often experienced by these patients. Anorexia nervosa has been associated with alterations in the opioid, noradrenergic, and serotonergic neurotransmission systems. Bulimia nervosa has been related to changes in norepinephrine and serotonin action. Prior studies of the effects of drugs that are used to treat these conditions and that affect neurotransmitter activity are reviewed. Further research concerning neurochemical aspects of eating disorders is recommended.

Bulimia, Neurotransmitters, Neurochemistry

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Three cases of anorexia nervosa associated with temporal lobe epilepsy

Article Abstract:

Three case histories of temporal lobe epilepsy in association with anorexia nervosa are presented. All three women had classic symptoms of anorexia nervosa which included refusing to eat, fear of gaining weight, distortion of body perception, and amenorrhea (absence of menstruation). In all patients, the eating disorder began after the onset of the epileptic symptoms; depression was also a primary characteristic of each patient. Several mechanisms may explain the development of the eating disorder which followed the temporal lobe epilepsy. The authors hypothesized that the same general neurological disorder is responsible for both illnesses. Incidents of psychosis have previously been observed in conjunction with seizure disorders. Dramatic and persistent changes in behavior may also occur in association with seizures. The distortion of body image that is characteristic of the anoretic may be related to the temporal lobe epilepsy. Anorexia nervosa may also be associated with an affective psychosis which is produced and conditioned by the epileptic seizures. Investigators suggested that a functional disturbance in the limbic region of the brain causes or aggravates anorexia nervosa. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Psychological aspects, Case studies, Temporal lobe epilepsy

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Weighty perspectives: contemporary challenges in obesity and eating disorders

Article Abstract:

Researchers have identified over 200 genes involved in appetite, hunger, satiety, metabolic efficiency and fat storage. However, many environmental and behavioral factors also contribute to obesity. Eating disorders are also caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors.

Editorial, Obesity

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