Neurotransmitter and hormonal background of hostility in anorexia nervosa

Neuropsychobiology
F BrambillaB Solerte

Abstract

Marked hostility toward relatives, therapists and friends is very frequently observed in anorexia nervosa (AN) as expression of outward-directed aggressiveness which interferes with the therapeutic programs of the patients. With the purpose to investigate this aspect of the disorder and its biological background, we studied in anorexics some neurotransmitter-hormonal secretions which are known to modulate aggressivity-hostility by measuring plasma concentrations of total (TT) and free testosterone (FT), total estrogens (TE), the TT/E and FT/TE ratios, and the serotonergic function by measuring basal prolactin (PRL) levels and responses to stimulation with the specific serotonin (5-HT)-releasing agent D-fenfluramine (D-Fen). In 13 women with AN, 5 of the restricted (AN-R) and 8 of the bingeing/purging type (AN-BP) in an active phase of the disease, and in 13 healthy controls matched for sex and age, we measured hostility by the SCL-90 scale (subscale items 11, 24, 63, 67, 74, 81). Basal TT, FT, TE, TT/TE, FT/TE, PRL values and PRL responses to D-Fen and to saline administration were measured radioimmunologically in AN patients and controls. Hostility was significantly higher in AN patients than in controls, TT, FT and TE concent...Continue Reading

Citations

Feb 8, 2007·The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism·K K MillerA Klibanski
Oct 19, 2006·Psychoneuroendocrinology·Valeria MondelliEmanuela Arvat
Jun 7, 2005·Journal of Affective Disorders·Susan L McElroyHagop S Akiskal

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Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a psychiatric condition characterized by severe weight loss and secondary problems associated with malnutrition. Here is the latest research on AN.

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