Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Using the Activity-based Anorexia Rodent Model to Study the Neurobiological Basis of Anorexia Nervosa
Published on: October 22, 2015
[Genetic factors in the etiology of anorexia nervosa]
F Rybakowski1, A Słopień, P Czerski
1Klinika Psychiatrii Dzieci i Młodziezy Akademii Medycznej w Poznaniu 60-572 Poznań, ul. Szpitalna 27/33.
Abstract:
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a disease of complex ethiopatogenesis. Population genetics studies suggest a significant role of genetic factors in the morbidity risk. Family and twin studies allow for the estimation of the heritability--the influence of genetic factors on the specific phenotype--of the anorexia nervosa in 50-80%. Due to the low prevalence of the disease, the adoption studies have not been performed. The rapid development of the molecular biology methods gives possibility for the searching of the specific genes increasing the risk of anorexia nervosa. Linkage studies are based on scanning the whole genome for loci associated with susceptibility to a certain disease. In the preliminary studies, no linkage was found between anorexia nervosa and the markers on the chromosomes 1-5, 13 and X. In the association studies, relationship between vulnerability to AN and polymorphism in 5-HT2a receptor and uncoupling proteins gene were reported. These results need further confirmation.
Related Concept Videos
Human Genetics
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
Anorexia Nervosa
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
Bulimia Nervosa
Binge Eating Disorders
Biological Causes of Schizophrenia
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin studies.
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...

