Anorexia Predicted by Brain Protein?
June 26, 2009 by Peggy Rowland
Filed under Women's Health
Anorexia nervosa, or Ana, is often referred to as a psychological disorder, but what if there’s a biological marker in the brain that could predict the disorder or help with recovery? Maybe that’s so.
Levels of a brain protein called BDNF are lower in anorexic women, report researchers from Chiba University in Japan. The study was recommended by Cynthia Bulik, Faculty Member for F1000 Medicine and eating disorders professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
The researchers discovered that anorexic women had lower levels of BDNF in their blood than healthy women or those who had recovered from anorexia, suggesting that low BDNF levels could be reversible. They also noted that women with low BDNF had self-image issues, as well as anxiety and depression.
While additional study will be needed to determine exactly what role the brain protein plays in the development of anorexia nervosa, the study findings are still revealing. Ultimately, BDNF could become a biomarker of anorexia nervosa and be useful in recovery or prevention.
Do you believe there’s a biological cause for anorexia nervosa?
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I do. I was an anorexic as a teen and have battled with it for much of my life. I love food, writing about it, fixing it..but I hate eating. I get a “high” when I fast, and feel sluggish and terrible when I eat no matter what my calories are or my diet is. I have told doctors for years that I believe it is biological and that certain stresses bring it on.
Marye, I didn’t realize you don’t like to eat your dreamy food! I too think there’s a biological basis for ana. It will be interesting to see what further research finds.