A team from the University of Pittsburgh has published a study which found a link between altered brain chemistry and the eating disorder anorexia nervosa. Brain scans in women with anorexia showed lower levels of serotonin than were found in women who never had the disorder.

The researchers say their work suggests that persistent disruption of serotonin levels may lead to increased anxiety, which may trigger anorexia. … "These data offer the promise of a new understanding of the pathogenesis of anorexia nervosa and new drug and psychological treatment targets," [said lead researcher Dr. Ursula Bailer.]" (Source: BBC)

The team plans to study genetic factors that may increase a woman's risk of developing anorexia, the BBC reported.

Source: BBC

Labels: brain_chemistry, causes of eating disorders

A new study out of Chiba University in Japan has found that women with anorexia have different levels of a certain type of brain protein, suggesting a possible underlying biological cause.

BDNF [brain-derived neurotrophic factor] is a protein made in the brain that is important for the growth and survival of neurons during development, and the researchers found that women with low BDNF also had the lowest self-image, suffered from anxiety and depression, and performed poorly on certain tests of cognitive ability. (Source: News-Medical.net)

Researchers are unclear what role BDNF plays in anorexia -- for example, whether it's a trigger, a result, or some other type of indicator -- and say more study is needed.

Labels: brain_chemistry

Researchers at the Center for Sleep and Wake Disorders are studying a baffling eating disorder called "sleep-eating." Much like sleep-walking, sleep-eating sufferers are alert enough to respond to questions but are not aware that they binge-eat while asleep.

"During testing, researchers found one woman munching on brownies in her sleep. After each bite, she used her pinky to shove any remaining bits in her mouth... Another woman captured on tape gulped a soda after eating in her sleep."

Sleep experts believe sleep-eating is caused by a problem with the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls "basic behaviors." Read more at NewsNet5.com.

Labels: binge_eating, brain_chemistry, sleep

Dr. Bomin Sun of the Center of Functional Neurosurgery in China has released the results of study in which brain stimulation was used to treat patients with advanced forms of anorexia. The treatment - called Deep Brain Modulation, is performed by implanting small electrodes onto a specific part of the brain, which is then electrically stimulated.

"Anorexia nervosa is a complex condition, involving sociological, neurobiological and psychological components,' said Dr. Sun. ‘This DBS treatment is very promising in that all patients had an improvement in eating behavior, psychiatric symptoms, or a combination of both."

Some side effects were documented in patients that had another surgical treatment, in addition to the DBS. There were, however, no side effects recorded in those who had the DBS treatment only.

A good residential treatment center, like Aspen Ranch, offers a treatment program for troubled teens that helps by offering a combination of therapy and academics. Visit AspenRanch.com to learn more about their programs for troubled teens.

Labels: brain_chemistry, therapy, treatment

A study conducted by the University of Pittsburgh has found that people with a history of anorexia have vastly different brain activity than those who never suffered from the disorder. The results appear in the American Journal of Psychiatry, and the study's authors hope the findings will help in the development of more effective treatments.

"While the brain region for emotional responses - the anterior ventral striatum - showed strong differences... in the healthy women, women with a past history of anorexia showed little difference."

In addition, the part of the brain that's associated with outcome and planning was much more active in women who'd had anorexia. An eating disorder association spokeswoman said this study shows that eating disorders are much more than just a 'silly diet gone wrong.'

The Aspen Institute of Behavioral Assessment can help parents and professionals figure out a troubled teen by conducting a thorough assessment and then creating a clear treatment plan.

Labels: brain_chemistry, research, treatment

When someone can't control a craving for alcohol or drugs, it's called "addiction". Could these same physiological forces be at work in someone who has uncontrollable food cravings? Some scientists are beginning to wonder.

"'Are there certain things in food that act on the brain and set up a classic addictive process, like tolerance, withdrawal and craving?', asks psychologist Kelly Brownell, who organized a recent scientific meeting on food addiction at Yale University. While the research is still scanty, the evidence that exists 'is extremely interesting and provocative, and suggests to me that something is there,' Brownell says."

Though there is still much research to be done, scientists are unsure what to do if they find evidence for food addictions. Someone who's addicted to drugs or alcohol simply stops consuming them, but someone who's addicted to food can't simply stop eating. Read more at WashingtonPost.com.

Teenage drug addiction is a serious matter facing many families. Visit DrugRehabTreatment.com to learn more.

Labels: addiction, brain_chemistry, research