Biological Explanations for Anorexia Nervosa

Neural Explanations (1) Neurotransmitters Serotonin Disturbances in serotonin levels are characteristic with those with eating disorders. Persistent disruption to serotonin levels leads to increased anxiety which can trigger anorexia

Neural Explanations (1) Neurotransmitters Dopamine Kaye et al (2005) use a PET scan to compare dopamine activity in the brains of 10 recovering and 12 healthy women Found in anorexics over activity in dopamine receptors in the basal gangia (where brain responds to harm and pleasure) Anorexics find it difficult to associate good feelings with the things most people find pleasurable (food)

Neural Explanations (2) Neurodevelopment Pregnancy Premature birth Birth complications lead to brain damage (hypoxia – lack of oxygen) impairs brain development of the child. Bulik et al (2005) ‘Double disadvantage’

Neural Explanations (2) Neurodevelopment Season of birth Born during spring months Infections during pregnancy

Evolutionary Explanations