Abstract
The relationship between the eating disorders bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa has been under scrutiny as increasing clinical information about these syndromes has emerged. The DSM-III-R diagnostic criteria for these two syndromes published by the American Psychiatric Association (American Psychiatric Association 1987) recognize preoccupation with body weight as a core characteristic of both disorders. Thus, one central feature of bulimia nervosa is “persistent overconcern with body shape and weight.” Anorexia nervosa is characterized by “intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even though underweight.” Preoccupation with body weight and dietary intake are almost invariably early symptoms in evolution of the complete syndromes (Johnson et al. 1984; Polivy and Herman 1985; Mitchell et al. 1986). These concerns reflect psychodynamic, familial, social, and cultural forces, and are not uncommon in contemporary Western societies. Persons with the syndromes of bulimia and anorexia nervosa may have or develop specific abnormalities in the homeostatic regulation of central neurotransmitter function that could result in abnormal satiety responses following a meal. Diminished satiety responses could lead to severe and persistent preoccupation with body weight and shape. In this chapter we review indirect evidence suggesting that impaired central serotonin function may constitute a vulnerability factor in the development both of bulimia and of anorexia nervosa, or a factor contributing to perpetuation of symptoms.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call