Idea AN linked to defective brain structures. Early research - focus on damage to hypothalamus, more recent research - identifying specific brain mechanisms. Area of interest - insula dysfunction hypothesis (IDH) - bio root of AN. Sees insula brain area (part of cerebral cortex), developing diff in anorexics. Various symptoms associated w/ dysfunction in brain areas, common factor - insula, responsible for neural connections.
Involve idea faulty biochemistry related to development of AN. Serotonin linked w/ AN. Noradrenaline area of interest - role in maintaining restriction of eating by influencing anxiety levels.
Leptin - interest. Anorexics can have low L levels, due to low fat levels. Thought L influences regulation of neuroendocrine system during starvation. Low levels known to affect hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, -> periods stopping - seen in anorexics.
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