Drug Treatments - ANOREXIA Flashcards
What is the gene, EPHX2?
- One of the genes involved: EPHX2 - codes for an enzyme exp-oxide hydrolyses - regulates cholesterol metabolism - which also links to regulation of serotonin.
Examples of research that supports the gene, EPHX2?
Zhu and Walsh (2002) and Capser (2003) cited in Silvertsone (2005), suggest that drugs have limited value for anorexia nervous, possibly because patients do not take medication and instead try to hide it.
What is the gene, DAT1?
Another gene involved: DAT1 - codes for a protein which regulates transport of dopamine in the brain. Regulations of dopamine activity - lack of motivation/ reward/ satisfaction with eating.
Examples of research that supports the gene, DAT1?
- Mitchell et al (2013) found that antidepressants could be effective in bulimia nervosa but less so with anorexia nervosa. A typical psychotics were found not to be useful for anorexia nervosa.
What is serotonin, how does like link with individuals suffering with anorexia?
- Serotonin is a chemical that carries messages between nerve cells in the brain and throughout your body.
- Serotonin - Individuals suffering from anorexia have significantly lower levels of serotonin metabolite in the cerebrospinal fluid. Body synthesizes serotonin from the food we eat and therefore starvation would cause low levels of serotonin.
Examples of research to support serotonin?
Kaye, Fudge and Paulus (2009) hypothesise that as serotonin levels decrease through starvation., the brain responds by increasing the number of serotonin receptors to utilize the remaining serotonin more effectively. Hence to make the person feel better, the person continues to starve themselves.
What is Dopamine, how does it link with anorexia?
- Dopamine acts on parts of the brain to give feelings of pleasure, satisfaction and motivation
- Dopamine- Anorexia is associated with an over production of dopamine, which causes anxiety and harm avoidance. Dieting and exercise can trigger stress in the brain. Stress increases dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens in anorexic individuals.
Examples of research to support dopamine?
Bailer et al 2012 - as well as the ability to go without the food which brings healthy individuals pleasure and satisfaction. Weirenga et al 2015 - elevated dopamine levels is then thought to be assisted with the rewarding behaviors such as self starvation and excessive exercise to become habits.
What are SSRIs?
SSRI’s - they are often prescribed due to the link between low serotonin and anorexia. Fluoxetine is an example of the drug which works by increasing serotonin levels. It is assumed that this will improve the depression and anxiety behavioral symptoms associated with anorexia.
Examples of research to support SSRIs?
- Kaye et al (2001) also suggest that higher doses, fluoxetine can help prevent relapse when an individual has finished the therapy and is receiving the maintenance dose.
What are First generation anti psychotics?
- they block dopamine also enabled patients to achieve some weight gain but they do not affect any of the other symptoms. They mainly focus on dopamine functioning. Suggests that the stratium might contribute to anorexia nervous symptoms.
Examples of Research to support First generation anti psychotics?
Halimi et al (1986) carried out a double blind placebo controlled trial with amitriptyline and cyplohepladine in 72 females with anorexia nervosa. They found a significant weight gain for cyproheptadine only
What are Second generation drugs?
- They have led to patients to gain weight, they did not treat any of the co-morbid symptoms.
Examples of Research to support Second generation drugs?
Silverstone 2005 - patients who were prescribed Olanzapine not only gained weight, but also reported less difficulty with eating, as well as lower levels of anxiety. He found tht in a study with 18 particpants, 10 gained weight but 4 did not complete the study and 4 lost weight , so these findings are mixed in terms of success
