The Neurobiology of Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is considered the most deadly psychological illness. Individuals with and recovered from anorexia nervosa experience numerous physical and mental health difficulties, and treatment outcomes remain unpromising. Anorexia nervosa is rare in the general population, but common among individuals with a first-degree relative with the disorder. In addition, the onset of anorexia nervosa is developmentally specific, which suggests a partly biological etiology. A better understanding of the biological and neurobiological etiology of anorexia nervosa is direly needed to inform new therapies and to identify individuals at risk for the disorder. This paper summarizes the research related to neurotransmitter abnormalities, aberrant brain activity, and genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that may contribute to the etiology of this deadly disorder.