Biological Explanation AN

Question 0

Serotonin exp of AN

Answer 0

• AN predisposed to high Sr; neurotic behaviour i.e anxiety/OCD
• Eating less dec nutrients, dec Tryptophan, dec Sr
• Temp sense of calmness
  - HOMEOSTASIS KICKS IN-
• Brain notices dec Sr, compensates by ^ Sr receptors.
• Processes remaining Sr more efficiently
• Same level of neural stimulation achieved = eat less & less to achieve prior level of calmness.
• Negative cycles forms; person trapped by own brain biochemistry.

Question 1

Healthy EB (Serotonin)

Answer 1

• Healthy: normal food intake = essential nutrients for Tryptophan
• Tryptophan = regular synthesis of Sr.
• High Sr = neurotic behaviour
• Healthy Sr remains normal and normal EB develops

Question 2

Bailer et al: ES Sr

Answer 2

• PM examine Sr disturbances between healthy and anorexics.
• Found increased Sr and altered brain structure in anorexic PM
• finding exemplify ^Sr levels and ^Sr receptors.
• explains why these people developed AN as a result of BBio

Question 3

Barbarich: AN & OCD

Answer 3

• ^Sr typical both in sufferers of AN and OCD
• Similarities in the clinical characteristics of both disorders:
• Extreme tendencies towards perfection.
• Argued that dysfunction in Sr system results in obsession with food and compulsion to achieve perfection.

Question 4

Low IV of studies

Answer 4

• Bailer and Barbarich based on Correlational findings.
• Cause and effect cannot be inferred for certain.
• Majority of studies are post mortem it could be argued that ^Sr symptom of AN rather than a cause.
• Lacks IV:
• Can’t conclude ^Sr present in AN as a result of something else.

Question 5

Holland et al: Refute (55% MZ cr)

Answer 5

• BE assumes we have no control over biology thus AN.
• Found MZ twins have only a 55% CR for AN.
• not ^ enough to rule out free-will/social influences override biology
• Sr is inherently deterministic, a major weakness.

Question 6

RWA

Answer 6

• Sr exp = treatment possibilities for AN:
• Has a physiological cause thus a physiological cure.
• Drug Th stabilise nt or gene Th alter genetic predisposition to ^Sr
• Supplement long term recovery.
• BE takes blame of the individual, places it on dysfunctional biology
• Should reduce stress and make AN easier to treat.