Articles tagged with Anorexia
A study of over 1 million diagnosed individuals reveals genetic links between 14 psychiatric conditions, grouping them into five major factors. The findings may facilitate future treatments and drug repurposing, with potential applications in schizophrenia and substance abuse
Researchers found that psilocybin reduced novelty-seeking in control mice, but heightened it in anorexia model mice. Inflammation levels were also altered, contradicting expectations based on human studies. The study's findings have implications for understanding anorexia nervosa and the potential therapeutic effects of psychedelics.
Researchers at the University of Delaware discovered a neural network in fruit fly brains that assigns value to specific foods minute by minute, integrating context, internal state, and past experience. This breakthrough study offers insights into the origins of eating disorders and addiction.
A doctor warns of critical treatment gaps in eating disorders, highlighting the dangers of ignoring physical warning signs and behavioral indicators. Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani advocates for integrated medical and psychological care to address the urgent need for effective treatment.
A new study has identified a leptin-sensitive brain circuit in the lateral hypothalamus that helps animals overcome anxiety to perform essential behaviors such as eating, exploring, and limiting maladaptive hyperactivity. Boosting the activity of these neurons can restore adaptive choices even under conditions that cause anxiety.
A new study from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago highlights the urgent need for better Medicaid coverage for anorexia care after hospitalization. The research reveals that Medicaid-insured patients with anorexia hospitalized for medical stabilization remain in the hospital longer than peers with private insuran...
A study by the University of Oulu found that individuals with anorexia in adolescence have lower income levels and more days of unemployment in adulthood. The effects on labor market position are particularly pronounced in men, highlighting the need for special attention and initiatives to improve their outcomes.
A University of Houston study found that positive childhood experiences, such as supportive relationships and regular household routines, can protect against disordered eating behaviors in college students. Adverse childhood experiences, including abuse and neglect, were also linked to increased risk factors for disordered eating.
A study by researchers at UCSF found that young patients who received eight or more outpatient therapy sessions after a hospital stay were 25 times less likely to be readmitted. The therapy was delivered by community-based clinicians and did not require specialist expertise. This simple yet effective approach has the potential to break...
Researchers at the University of Houston found that females with more psychologically flexible personalities have fewer signs of eating disorders. The study suggests a personalized approach to therapy may be most effective for preventing eating disorders when using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
A recent study published in Medicina found a significant increase in the number of young patients with anorexia nervosa in Japan following the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers analyzed large-scale clinical data and discovered that the incidence of this eating disorder rose sharply during this period.
Researchers developed a new therapy that teaches patients to tolerate stomach and body discomfort, improving functional brain deficits linked to visceral disgust. The study showed improved outcomes for adolescents with low-weight eating disorders compared to traditional family-based treatment.
A study of 235 participants found that binge eating was perceived as the most trivial condition, with strong social stigma attached. This stigma can make it even harder for individuals to seek help and overcome their eating disorders.
A new study from Simon Fraser University found a close link between high social media use and psychiatric disorders involving delusions. Forms of delusions, such as narcissistic personality disorder and body dysmorphic disorder, were the most prevalent types related to high social media use.
A recent study found that disordered eating is associated with a higher risk of symptoms of pelvic floor disorders in middle-aged women. The research revealed that consuming highly processed ready-made foods and fast food increases the risk for stress urinary incontinence, while a higher quality diet decreases the risk.
Research at Turku PET Centre found elevated opioid neurotransmitter activity in anorexia patients' brains, linked to increased appetite regulation and emotional symptoms. The study suggests changes in brain function may explain the emotional symptoms and mood changes associated with anorexia nervosa.
Researchers investigated how individuals with anorexia and eating disorders perceive body weight, finding they underestimate the weight of smaller hands and overestimate the weight of larger hands. This study suggests two different mechanisms for weight perception in body parts versus objects.
Researchers at UCSD found psilocybin therapy reduces eating disorder psychopathology and improves quality-of-life in patients with anorexia nervosa, but results vary widely among individuals. Genetic variations may influence treatment outcomes.
A new study found that individuals with eating disorders have a higher risk of death and poor health outcomes due to abnormal electrolyte levels. The research, led by ICES and The Ottawa Hospital, included over 6,000 individuals with an eating disorder, revealing that 32% had abnormal electrolyte levels.
Researchers created a mouse model to study relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs), revealing the syndrome impacts the entire body and affects males and females differently. REDs leads to hormonal and reproductive issues, insomnia and fatigue, bone weakness and injury, and anxiety and depression.
A study published in Nature Communications has identified a neurological mechanism underlying anorexia nervosa and found a possible cure using donepezil, a medication increasing acetylcholine levels. Ongoing studies show positive results for patients with severe anorexia nervosa treated with low doses of donepezil.
Patients with anorexia nervosa have a 4.5-times higher risk of dying compared to the general population, with psychiatric conditions doubling this risk. The presence of these conditions is also associated with a 1.9-fold higher risk of 10-year mortality in individuals diagnosed at age 6–25 years.
Researchers found that an inpatient treatment approach using high-energy refeeding can improve both physical and psychological health in adults with eating disorders. The study, led by Fiona Salter, investigated 97 voluntary hospital patients and found significant improvements in weight change and psychological wellbeing.
Males with anorexia nervosa have a sixfold higher mortality rate than the general population. Early identification and prompt treatment are essential for effective management of the condition.
Research reveals a genetic link between anorexia nervosa and being an early riser, with individuals experiencing insomnia. The study suggests that having anorexia nervosa could lead to an earlier wake time, adding to the disorder's complex biology.
A new study reveals a disproportionate increase in pediatric eating disorder hospitalizations, particularly among males, younger teens, and those with eating disorders other than anorexia or bulimia. Hospitalizations rose by 139% over 17 years, with the greatest increases seen for these atypical groups.
The University of Louisville has been awarded $11.5 million from the National Institutes of Health to research and treat eating disorders. The project will investigate how eating disorders develop in childhood and adolescence, their contribution to suicidal behaviors, and the development of innovative personalized treatment.
Research from Karolinska Institutet found that non-European individuals in Sweden have a higher prevalence of eating disorder symptoms, but limited access to specialist care. The study reveals a significant gap between those with disordered eating and those receiving specialized treatment.
Research finds ADHD is a risk factor for major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anorexia nervosa, and suicide attempts. The study used Mendelian randomization to establish potential links between ADHD and these disorders.
Researchers at the Laureate Institute for Brain Research found significant effects of floatation-therapy on body image and anxiety in patients with anorexia nervosa. The study showed immediate and sustained reductions in body image dissatisfaction and improved anxiety, which remained after treatment and lasted up to six months.
The University of Kansas researcher has been awarded a grant to study eating disorders in active-duty military members, identifying risk factors and potential links to substance use and mental health symptoms. The goal is to improve screening tools and develop targeted interventions.
An international team of scientists discovered that a severe imbalance in the intestinal microbes and gut microbiome-produced metabolites may directly affect the development and retention of anorexia nervosa. The study suggests that specific gut bacteria produce less vitamin B1, leading to loss of appetite and various symptoms.
Researchers at MIT developed an ingestible capsule that delivers electrical stimulation to the stomach, boosting ghrelin production and potentially alleviating nausea and appetite loss. The device uses a grooved surface to create a drier environment for electrodes to contact stomach tissue.
New research reveals parents, especially mothers, bear the immense financial and emotional toll of eating disorders in their children. Key findings show 81.9% of children were diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, with 96.8% having additional psychiatric conditions.
A new study finds that childhood symptoms of disordered eating are predictive of symptoms in adulthood for both Black and white women. Black women's symptoms were predicted by earlier ages compared to white women, suggesting cultural and psychological factors may influence symptom presentation.
A recent study from the University of Toronto found that greater screen time is associated with more symptoms of muscle dysmorphia among Canadian young people. The researchers analyzed data from over 2,500 adolescents and young adults and found that social media use, texting, TV watching, and video chatting were linked to muscle dysmor...
A mindfulness-based intervention program significantly decreased subjective anxiety and improved emotional regulation in AN patients. The study found changes in brain regions involved in anxiety, emotion arousal, and self-referential processing.
A recent twin study found that serious eating disorder ARFID is highly influenced by genetic factors, with a significant 79% genetic component. Researchers estimate that between 1-5% of the population is affected by ARFID.
Engaged feeding practices, such as recognizing fullness cues and responsive feeding, can help parents guide their children towards healthier eating habits. By adopting these practices, parents can create a positive relationship with food that lasts into adulthood.
A recent study by Rutgers University researchers found that adolescent girls typically engage in unnoticed dieting for up to six months before their formal diagnosis of anorexia is made. This behavior often begins around age 14 and can be a precursor to more severe restrictive eating habits.
Researchers at the University of Ottawa have discovered that patients with electrolyte abnormalities are twice as likely to be diagnosed with an eating disorder. This study analyzed Ontario health data between 2008 and 2020, identifying a potential preventative treatment for approximately 1 million Canadians.
A study by Okayama University researchers found that neuromedin U (NMU) is involved in metabolic processes but its 'anti-hunger' function may not be crucial for rats. Unlike mice, NMU expression is restricted in the rat brain and does not suppress feeding behavior.
A recent study found that nearly half of men and one in five women engaged in 'bulk and cut' cycles, connected with a greater desire for muscularity. The study also linked this dietary method to symptoms of eating disorders and muscle dysmorphia among participants.
A new study by an international group of researchers has found substantial reductions in grey matter in people with anorexia nervosa, a condition characterized by severe food restriction and low body weight. Early intervention and treatment can help the brain repair itself, according to the research team led by Dr. Paul M. Thompson.
A major study of nearly 2,000 brain scans found significant reductions in cortical thickness, subcortical volumes, and cortical surface area in individuals with anorexia. Early treatment and weight gain were shown to positively impact brain structure, suggesting the potential for long-term recovery.
A new screening tool has been developed to identify pregnant women at risk of eating disorders, allowing for early intervention and treatment. The Prenatal Eating Behaviors Screening (PEBS) tool, created by WVU researchers, uses a 12-question screener to assess symptoms and emotions associated with eating disorders.
A new study identifies 152 genetic variants shared across multiple psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This finding could lead to the development of therapies addressing multiple disorders with one treatment.
Researchers found abnormal dopamine-serotonin brain circuit activity causes anorexia, which was reversed by restoring normal activity and inhibiting key receptor. The study provides potential therapeutic approach for treating anorexia, with future studies needed to explore sex differences.
Researchers at Ohio University investigated the differences between purging disorder and bulimia nervosa, finding that while both conditions involve self-induced vomiting, purging disorder is characterized by a lack of binge eating episodes. The study suggests that purging disorder requires specific treatments that target its unique sy...
A new series of expert reviews explores less common causes of bone loss, including pregnancy-associated osteoporosis and anorexia nervosa-related osteoporosis. The reviews provide comprehensive information on these unusual conditions and their impact on bone health.
The US Preventive Services Task Force concludes that there is not enough evidence to recommend routine screening for eating disorders. Eating disorders such as binge eating disorder, bulimia, and anorexia nervosa are associated with short- and long-term adverse health outcomes including physical, psychological, and social problems.
Cases of new-onset anorexia nervosa among children and adolescents in Canada increased significantly during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study found a notable rise in hospitalizations for newly-diagnosed anorexia nervosa or atypical anorexia nervosa.
A recent study analyzed commercially insured patients and found that inpatient stays for eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, rose during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study included over 3.2 million people and highlighted the need for continued support and treatment for individuals affected by these conditions.
A new study published in the journal Eating Behaviors found a strong association between vaping or e-cigarette use and an increased risk of developing an eating disorder among US college students. The study analyzed over 51,000 participants and highlighted the need for more research and clinical assessment to address this growing concern.
Research suggests that low childhood BMI is associated with higher anorexia nervosa risk, while high BMI or overweight increases the risk of bulimia nervosa. Monitoring weight and height during childhood may help identify early warning profiles for eating disorders.
Researchers have successfully altered feeding and anxiety-like behaviors linked to anorexia in mice by targeting the MC3R receptor. The study suggests that fine-tuning the receptor's activity could help change feeding habits and promote weight gain in patients with eating disorders, offering a potential new treatment for anorexia.
Women with bulimia nervosa performed worse on a task requiring self-control when stressed, but not those with anorexia nervosa. Brain activity differences were observed between the two groups when stressed, with women with bulimia showing impaired pre-emptive slowing down.
New research published in JNeurosci suggests that stress alters brain activity in self-inhibition areas but doesn't trigger binge-eating. This challenges the long-held theory that stress impairs inhibitory control and leads to binge-eating, indicating a more complex underlying mechanism.
A recent study analyzing over 20,000 genomes found similarities and differences in genetic patterns among anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. The research team discovered that while these eating disorders share genetic risk with psychiatric disorders, they differ in their association with body weight regulation.
A new analysis published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that current psychological therapies for treating anorexia nervosa do not significantly differ from expert treatment as usual. This highlights the need for further research into more targeted therapies to improve patient outcomes.