Asked by Samantha Kiewra on Feb 18, 2024
Verified
Briefly describe the biological factors that have been implicated in feeding and eating disorders.
Dopamine
Neurotransmitter in the brain, excess amounts of which have been thought to cause schizophrenia.
- Neurochemical imbalances: Imbalances in neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, have been implicated in feeding and eating disorders. These imbalances can affect mood, appetite, and impulse control, potentially contributing to disordered eating behaviors.
- Hormonal dysregulation: Hormones, such as leptin and ghrelin, play a crucial role in regulating hunger and satiety. Disruptions in the hormonal system can lead to abnormal appetite regulation and contribute to the development of feeding and eating disorders.
- The role of genetics: Research suggests that there is a genetic component to feeding and eating disorders, as they tend to run in families. Certain genes may influence appetite regulation, metabolism, and the brain's reward system, which can contribute to the development of these disorders.
Verified Answer
DD
Diamond De LeonFeb 18, 2024
Final Answer :
Key terms and concepts that may be included in student responses:
▪ Genetic factors-twin studies of anorexia nervosa have found that from 33 to 84 percent of the variability in the disorder is due to genetic factors; twin studies of bulimia nervosa put its heritability at 50 to 83 percent
▪ Brain abnormalities-people with anorexia nervosa show lowered functioning of the hypothalamus and abnormalities in the levels of several hormones important to the functioning of the hypothalamus or in their regulation, including serotonin and dopamine; many people with bulimia show abnormalities in the neurotransmitter serotonin (deficiencies in serotonin might lead the body to crave carbohydrates, and people with bulimia often binge on high-carbohydrate foods)
▪ Genetic factors-twin studies of anorexia nervosa have found that from 33 to 84 percent of the variability in the disorder is due to genetic factors; twin studies of bulimia nervosa put its heritability at 50 to 83 percent
▪ Brain abnormalities-people with anorexia nervosa show lowered functioning of the hypothalamus and abnormalities in the levels of several hormones important to the functioning of the hypothalamus or in their regulation, including serotonin and dopamine; many people with bulimia show abnormalities in the neurotransmitter serotonin (deficiencies in serotonin might lead the body to crave carbohydrates, and people with bulimia often binge on high-carbohydrate foods)
Learning Objectives
- Neurochemical imbalances: Imbalances in neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, have been implicated in feeding and eating disorders. These imbalances can affect mood, appetite, and impulse control, potentially contributing to disordered eating behaviors.
- Hormonal dysregulation: Hormones, such as leptin and ghrelin, play a crucial role in regulating hunger and satiety. Disruptions in the hormonal system can lead to abnormal appetite regulation and contribute to the development of feeding and eating disorders.
- The role of genetics: Research suggests that there is a genetic component to feeding and eating disorders, as they tend to run in families. Certain genes may influence appetite regulation, metabolism, and the brain's reward system, which can contribute to the development of these disorders.