Eating Disorders Flashcards
Neurobiology
People with AN may have genetic vulnerability to becoming addicted to fasting.
Endorphins are released during prolonged fasting
Naltrexone is used to block the high (opiate antagonist)
Role of Insula
Involved with craving and interoception. My-opioid receptors in insula.
Important for automatic regulation and mediation of automatic responses to emotional stimuli.
Distorted body image, lack of recognition of malnutrition could be related to disturbed interoceptive awareness
Role of the ACC
Important for cognitive control
Highly connected with insula
Active during conflicts (needs to regulate homeostasis “something needs to be solved”
High activity at baseline
Perfectionism - increases dorsal ACC responses
Volume reduction in AN
Activity anorexia
Rats that run for long intervals eat less.
Humans: more activity then more endorphins are involved and possible addiction.
(Runners high)
More easily induced in adolescence
Role of serotonin
Disturbances in receptors contribute to appetite dysregulation. Remain disturbed after recovery
Tryptophan (amino acid) only available in diet and a precursor to serotonin. Studies show decreased plasma ratio of tryptophan which decreased serotonin synthesis
Puberty related female gonadal steroids may exacerbate serotonin dysregulation
