Genetics AN

Question 1

Grice 2002

Answer 1

trend in families that at least two relatives had restrictive AN within the family, demonstrating the frequency of AN is higher in relatives than in general population

Question 2

children with AN parents are…

Answer 2

10x more likely to develop it themselves

Question 3

heritability estimate

Answer 3

71%
46.2% of 106 Mz twins
7.1% of 56 Dz twins

Question 4

temperament

Answer 4

known to be genetically controlled, family studies have found perfectionism, high need for order and sensitivity to praise/reward were linked to AN.

Question 5

An individual who is a first degree relative of someone who has or had AN is…

Answer 5

12x more likely to have an eating disorder

Question 6

adoption studies

Answer 6

help understand and separate the environment, which in some cases can be a confounding variable. By studying adopted ppts in comparison to their birth parents, if they both have AN this confirms a genetic link.
Twin studies can also help prove a genetic link as Mz twins share 100% the same DNA/genes and Dz share 50%

Question 7

EPHX2

Answer 7

codes for an enzyme that regulates cholesterol metabolism.
Links to hypothalamus which regulates hunger and the amygdala, if amygdala isn’t regulates then this can lead to an unregulated fear response to food. Most serotonin comes from food so low levels could explain the anxiety and depression alongside

Question 8

ITPR3

Answer 8

responsible for the taste of food such as bitter and sweet. Restrictive AN involves little to no intake of food this could be due to a faulty ITPR3 gene. If the gene is faulty it could mean those with AN are unable to use the taste of food as a motivator.

Question 9

Dat1

Answer 9

linked to the function of dopamine reward system. If this gene is mutated this can mean dopamine activity is disrupted, resulting in lack of motivation and satisfaction that others would normally get after eating. Therefore, a lack of motivation to eat