ABSTRACT
Objectives of review. The goal of this review is to highlight selected advances during 2003-2004 in research on the psychobiology of the eating disorders.
Summary of recent findings. Studies in bulimia nervosa (BN) have demonstrated associations between alterations in serotonin function and comorbid psychiatric disorders, while studies in both BN and anorexia nervosa (AN) have provided additional evidence for persistent, possibly trait-related alterations in serotonin regulation. Studies of leptin function have shown an association between circulating levels of the protein and symptom patterns during the course of recovery from AN. Studies of ghrelin function have provided new evidence for altered postprandial release of the peptide in BN and binge-eating disorder, and elevated baseline levels of the peptide in AN.
Future directions. Additional research will be needed to assess both categorical and dimensional clinical correlates of alterations in these neuro-biological systems. Studies in individuals who have recovered from the eating disorders will be valuable in identifying stable psychobiological characteristics. Future results may lead to new pharmacological treatment approaches.
