Anorexia Nervosa The Neurobiology of Anorexia Nervosa

This article provides an overview of research findings on the neurobiology of anorexia nervosa (AN). including studies of monoamine neurotransmitter function, genetics, brain imaging, and neuropsychology. Such studies are designed to reveal the underlying neuroanatomical and pathophysiological bases of this potentially lethal condition. Notwithstanding commonly held misconceptions, there is no compelling evidence that sociocultural factors alone cause AN_ Over the previous two decades, research into the role of the brain in eating disorders has been very productive and informative. Sorting out what is traitand what is state-related has been a challenging focus of neurobiological research in AN. Many of the earlier identified abnormalities have been shown to be directly due to the effects of semi-starvation, weight loss, and/or maladaptive behaviors of AN. Results in AN patients who have been weight-recovered for at least one year indicate persistent alterations in serotonin function, set shifting, and visuo-spatial processing.