Am J Psychiatry 1989; 146:963-971
Copyright © 1989 by American Psychiatric Association
Neurochemical abnormalities of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa
M Fava, PM Copeland, U Schweiger and DB Herzog
Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114.
The authors review the research on anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa,
emphasizing the neurotransmitters and neuromodulators that regulate eating
behavior. Anorexia nervosa is associated with changes in the noradrenergic,
serotonergic, and opioid systems; bulimia nervosa is accompanied by marked
alterations in serotonin and norepinephrine activity. These neurochemical
changes may perpetuate pathological eating behavior and may be responsible
for several associated psychiatric symptoms, including anxiety and
depression. The authors also summarize studies of several drugs that are
used in the treatment of eating disorders and are known to modify
neurotransmitter activity. Understanding the neurochemistry of eating
disorders seems crucial for the rational development of both
psychopharmacological and behavioral treatments.
