Articles tagged with Anorexia
A large DNA-sequencing study of anorexia nervosa has linked the eating disorder to variants in a gene coding for an enzyme regulating cholesterol metabolism. This finding suggests that anorexia could be caused by disruption in normal cholesterol processing, affecting mood and eating behavior.
Research found that teens with anorexia nervosa had larger insula and orbitofrontal cortex brain areas, which may contribute to their ability to starve themselves. These brain regions process taste and body perception, potentially leading to a distorted sense of hunger and fullness.
Researchers used visual projections of human heartbeats to alter subjects' perception of their body, inducing an out-of-body experience. The study suggests a novel approach to treating self-perception disorders like anorexia and body dysmorphic disorder.
A new study finds that estrogen replacement therapy decreases anxiety symptoms in girls with anorexia nervosa, which may help prevent relapse. The treatment also appears to prevent worsening attitudes toward body image and food.
A landmark study suggests that altered neural circuitry contributes to restricted eating in anorexia and overeating in bulimia. Functional MRI scans revealed diminished responses to sweet tastes in recovered individuals with anorexia, while elevated responses were seen in those with bulimia.
Disturbed body image in anorexia nervosa influences both conscious and unconscious actions, with affected individuals rotating their shoulders to fit through a doorway even when it's not necessary. Current therapeutic interventions should target the body in action to improve the experience of body size.
The incidence of eating disorders is increasing in the UK, with a total of 9072 cases diagnosed over 10 years. The most common type is eating disorders not otherwise specified, which has risen steadily from 32.3 new cases per 100,000 population in 2000 to 37.2 by 2009.
A new clinical trial found that patients with severe and enduring anorexia nervosa improved significantly with a modified treatment approach that focused on quality of life and social adjustment. The study's results showed high retention rates and meaningful positive change, offering hope for those suffering from the disorder.
Research suggests that men with muscle dysmorphia prefer traditional masculine roles, while those with anorexia nervosa display greater adherence to traditional feminine roles. The study highlights the increasing pressures men face to define their masculinity in the modern world.
A pilot study found DBS to be effective in improving mood and BMI in severely anorexic patients. After surgery, patients began stabilizing or gaining weight, with three maintaining higher weights than before. Improvements in mood and obsessive-compulsive behavior were also observed.
A new trial has shown that Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) can help patients with chronic, severe Anorexia Nervosa achieve improvements in body weight, mood, and anxiety. Four of six patients experienced significant weight gain and simultaneous changes in mood and symptoms related to anorexia.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that patients with anorexia have difficulty judging their own body size, but can accurately estimate the size of others. The study suggests that individuals with anorexia may still hold a distorted perception of their own body shape even after recovery.
A new study suggests that the 'pro-ana' online community provides a way for individuals with eating disorders to express themselves without judgment, leading to improved mood and increased support. Researchers found that nearly 20% of participants were in recovery, highlighting the potential benefits of this community for treatment.
A new study found that fruit flies on methamphetamine drastically reduce their food intake and increase physical activity. The flies' energy reserves and metabolism are severely impacted, leading to a primary driver of methamphetamine-related death in the insects. Adding glucose to the diet slows the damaging effects of meth exposure.
A study by Guido Frank and colleagues found that anorexic women's brains are overactive in response to food cues, while obese women's brains are underactive. This suggests a link between brain function and eating behavior in these conditions.
Researchers from Columbia University Medical Center will present on grief and major depression, exploring the complexities of complicated grief. The session also delves into the ethics of psychiatric relationships with pharmaceutical companies, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to patient care.
A study published in Neuropsychopharmacology found that low doses of olanzapine improved survival in mice with exercise-based anorexia, a common condition in people with the eating disorder. The antidepressant fluoxetine was ineffective in improving survival rates.
Researchers found global increases in ligand binding to CB1 receptors in the brains of women with anorexia nervosa, suggesting a compensatory process. The study suggests that the endocannabinoid system may be a potential new target for developing drugs to treat eating disorders.
A new study has identified possible genetic variations that could influence a patient's recovery from an eating disorder. The findings suggest that certain genetic traits, including those associated with anxiety and concerns over mistakes, may be linked to chronic eating disorders.
Girls with anorexia nervosa saw significant increases in bone density at the spine and hip after receiving physiological estrogen therapy, according to a new study. However, they still had lower bone density than healthy-weight controls.
Research shows that eating triggers anxiety in individuals with anorexia nervosa, rather than the expected feeling of pleasure. The study uses brain imaging technology to demonstrate a paradoxical response to food in people with the disorder, highlighting the need for effective treatment strategies.
A secret online society is found to promote the pro-anorexia movement, using social networks to encourage self-loathing and thinness obsession. The study highlights the dangers of anonymity on the internet, allowing extreme views to be exchanged and potentially dangerous behaviors to co-construct.
A study published in The Arts in Psychotherapy found that women with anorexia or bulimia draw themselves with distinct characteristics, including a larger neck and emphasized mouth. Self-figure drawings can be used as a tool for assessing eating disorders and may help individuals open up to therapists about their struggles.
Researchers found intriguing clues to genes associated with anorexia nervosa, including genes active in neuronal signaling and shaping interconnections among brain cells. The study also identified several rare CNVs that occurred only in AN cases, suggesting that both common SNPs and rare CNVs contribute to the disorder.
Women with anorexia nervosa more likely to experience unplanned pregnancies and induced abortions due to misconceptions about their fertility. Healthcare providers must be aware of this increased risk and provide proper care, including prenatal screening for eating disorders.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology found that anorexia nervosa can cause significant damage to the retina and optic nerve, leading to impaired vision. The condition was associated with thinner maculae and reduced dopamine activity, which may be related to the initial stages of progressive blindness.
A new study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found family-based treatment to be the most effective approach for treating anorexia nervosa. More than 50% of patients who received this type of treatment were in full remission after a year, compared to 23% of those who received individual therapy.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine found that family-based therapy is twice as effective as individual psychotherapy in producing full remission of anorexia nervosa. The study compared the two treatment approaches in 121 adolescents and found that family-based therapy led to a significantly higher rate of patients re...
A study published in International Journal of Eating Disorders found that adults with anorexia can regain brain volume after weight gain through specialist treatment. Brain volume deficits among underweight patients with Anorexia Nervosa were reversed within several weeks of weight restoration.
A Stanford University School of Medicine and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital study found that many patients with severe eating disorders are misdiagnosed due to restrictive diagnostic criteria. The study indicates that patients who barely meet the full diagnostic criteria for anorexia or bulimia may be just as sick, highlighting the...
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital discovered that people with anorexia nervosa have high levels of fat within their bone marrow. This unexpected finding may help track the effectiveness of hormonal therapies aimed at improving bone mass in individuals with this condition, who often experience bone loss and osteoporosis.
A study from Université de Montréal and Douglas Mental Health University Institute found that 10-15% of women experience maladaptive eating behaviors, which can lead to binge eating, bulimia, and excessive exercise. The study also revealed a link between problematic eating habits and self-rated health.
Researchers suggest remote therapies, such as online cognitive behavioral therapy, could improve treatment outcomes for eating disorders. The study reviews the current state of eating disorder diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the need for increased access to specialized care.
Heidelberg researchers discovered processes in brain metabolism that explain anorexic patients' rigid behavior, suggesting new therapy approaches. The study's results contribute to a better understanding of anorexia and its neurobiological factors.
Researchers identify dysfunction in neural circuits of the brain that may contribute to the development of anorexia. Childhood personality traits and perfectionism are also found to be predisposing factors.
A recent study published by Faculty of 1000 Medicine discovered that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels are higher in women who have recovered from anorexia. This suggests that low BDNF levels may be reversible and could potentially serve as a biomarker for recovery from eating disorders.
Researchers are comparing two family-based therapies to treat adolescent anorexia nervosa. The Maudsley Approach involves supervised feeding and monitoring, while Family Systems Therapy focuses on family dynamics. Both approaches aim to break the vicious cycle of starvation and obsessive behavior.
A long-term study found that adults with a history of anorexia nervosa are more likely to experience mental health issues. The research, published in the British Journal of Psychiatry and International Journal of Eating Disorders, also showed improved reproductive outcomes for those who had recovered from anorexia.
A new study using high-resolution CT scans found that adolescents with mild anorexia exhibit abnormal bone structure, even before significant bone mineral density decreases. The researchers suggest that traditional methods like DXA may not accurately reflect true bone health in these patients.
A new study by Rhode Island Hospital and Brown University suggests that the DSM-IV criteria for eating disorders have limited clinical utility. The study found that patients diagnosed with 'not otherwise specified' (NOS) eating disorder often met the criteria for subthreshold variants of anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder.
A study found that providing a biological and genetic explanation for anorexia nervosa reduced blame towards individuals with the disorder. The research suggests that disseminating accurate information about the underlying causes of anorexia can help decrease stigma.
Research suggests that males exposed to female sex hormones in the womb may be more likely to develop anorexia nervosa. Studies of Swedish twins born between 1935 and 1958 found a higher risk among males with female twin sisters.
Researchers found that former anorexics showed distinct brain pattern differences, particularly in emotional response regions. Their brains were more focused on consequences and planning, suggesting a persistent risk of obsessive thinking. This study may lead to better understanding and treatment development for anorexia nervosa.
Women with anorexia nervosa exhibit distinct differences in brain activity related to taste recognition, suggesting a link between appetite regulation and self-awareness. This finding may shed light on the underlying causes of anorexia nervosa, including distorted body image and difficulty responding to hunger.
A nationwide outcome study reveals anorexia as a common, severe but highly transient illness, with most women recovering before age 30. The study found that anorexic symptoms usually started between ages 10 and 25 and took 5-10 years to resolve.
An international group of eating disorders researchers states that families do not cause anorexia nervosa, contradicting Gisele Bundchen's claim. The data suggest a strong genetic component may be the root cause of this illness.
A long-term study found that an Internet-based intervention program can help high-risk, college-age women avoid developing an eating disorder. The program, called 'Student Bodies,' aimed to reduce body image concerns and promote healthy eating habits.
Patients with anorexia nervosa who receive antidepressant medications such as fluoxetine do not experience a significant decrease in the risk of relapse. The study found that similar percentages of patients assigned to fluoxetine and placebo maintained their weight and remained in the study for up to 52 weeks.
Research reveals improved treatment outcomes for individuals with anorexia nervosa, including increased fertility and reduced long-term mortality. The study highlights the importance of biologically driven avoidance behavior in the development of the disorder.
A Swedish Twin Registry study found that neuroticism is a significant risk factor for anorexia, particularly in women. The disorder is estimated to be 56% heritable, with environmental factors contributing to the remaining percentage.
Researchers found a correlation between obstetric complications and anorexia nervosa, with specific complications increasing the risk of developing the disorder. The study suggests that prenatal factors may contribute to the development of eating disorders by impairing neurodevelopment or causing neonatal brain damage.
Researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging to study volunteers' brains, finding high levels of activity in the posterior parietal cortex. Participants felt their waist shrink by up to 28% after a vibrating device stimulated their wrist tendon, suggesting the brain creates a map of body size through integrating signals from ...
A new study published in PLoS Biology used the Pinocchio illusion to scan people's brains while experiencing a shrinking waist sensation. The researchers found high activity in the posterior parietal cortex, which integrates sensory information from different body parts, leading to distorted body image perception.
Researchers found increased serotonin receptor binding in women who recovered from bulimia-type anorexia nervosa, but not restricting-type. This suggests altered serotonin pathways may contribute to anxiety symptoms and eating disorders.
Researchers have found that oxytocin plays a key role in regulating food intake in response to dehydration, but its impact may vary depending on the situation. Studies have shown that dehydration anorexia is virtually absent in mice genetically engineered to eliminate oxytocin.
A University of Pittsburgh study identifies specific brain regions involved in anorexia nervosa, including the basal ganglia and its relation to reward and reinforcement. The research suggests that altered dopamine function may contribute to the disorder's symptoms, including obsessive behaviors and self-denial.
A study published in Psychological Medicine found that 35% of women with anorexia nervosa relapsed into the disorder within two years of leaving the hospital. The mean time before relapse was 18 months, highlighting the need for improved relapse prevention treatments.
A study by Gabriella Milos and colleagues found that women with anorexia were more likely to have suicidal thoughts than those with bulimia or other disorders. The researchers also discovered a link between purging behaviors and increased suicide risk, suggesting a possible connection to lack of impulse control.
Researchers used CT scans to analyze lung tissue in anorexic patients and found structural changes that differ from those in healthy individuals. The findings suggest early therapy is crucial for patients with anorexia to avoid permanent damage to the lungs.
Researchers found two genes, HTR1D and OPRD1, associated with anorexia nervosa in the 1p33-36 linkage region. These genes regulate behaviors including eating and anxiety, and individuals carrying specific alleles for developing anorexia nervosa are at increased risk.