Emotion Recognition and Regulation in Anorexia Nervosa

Should anorexia nervosa (AN) – or subtypes of AN – be classified as part of the autism spectrum disorders (ASD)? That’s a question that has been receiving some attention in the literature in the last few years, although there are only a handful of studies, most of which are small and limited in scope (thus limiting interpretation of the results).

In the Time Magazine article  “A Genetic Link Between Anorexia and Autism?” the author mentions a study – which I decided to cover today – on emotion regulation and recognition in patients with AN. It is not directly evaluating the link between AN and ASD, but it is related and a good starting point. I was originally going to write about two papers, but I will save the other one  (Is anorexia nervosa a version of autism spectrum disorders?) for another time.

The study design in this paper … Continue reading →

The Genetics of Anorexia Nervosa

Is it the culture of thinness, obsession with dieting or just bad mothering? When it comes to determining the causes of anorexia nervosa, the answer appears to be none of the above. Increasingly, the evidence is pointing to genetics playing an important role in predisposing individuals to anorexia nervosa. Among clinicians and researchers, the notion that genetic factors are important in the development of anorexia nervosa seems uncontested. In this short review, Dr. Cynthia Bulik and colleagues summarize some of the findings in the genetics of anorexia nervosa.

Currently (DSM-IV), to be diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, a patient must show:

  • An inability to maintain normal weight (<85% of what is expected)
  • Intense fear of weight gain and/or becoming fat, though underweight
  • Obsession with body weight and shape, giving it undue importance in evaluating self-esteem/self-worth
  • Amenorrhea (missing 3 or more consecutive periods)
  • There are two AN-subtypes: restricting type (AN-R) and
Continue reading →