Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Assessing Activity-based Anorexia in Mice
Published on: May 14, 2018
What is the evidence basis for existing treatments of eating disorders?
Cecilia Bergh1, Jan Ejderhamn, Per Södersten
1Karolinska Institutet, Section of Applied Neuroendocrinology, AB Mando Center for Eating Disorders, Novum, Huddinge, Sweden.
Abstract:
Most existing treatments of eating disorders (ED) produce a period of remission that is short lived and expressed in fewer than 50% of the patients. Antidepressants (eg, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRI]) have a small effect in bulimia nervosa and they are not recommended in anorexia nervosa (AN) because serotonin inhibits food intake. In a randomized, controlled trial, training of eating behavior and satiety, supply of warmth, reduction of physical hyperactivity, and restoration of social activities brought 75% of patients with ED into remission, and 93% remained in remission during follow-up. Further randomized, controlled trials comparing presently used interventions will provide the evidence needed to improve the treatment of ED.
Related Concept Videos
Theoretical Approaches to Psychological Disorder
Biological approach
The biological approach posits that internal, organic factors are the primary causes of such disorders. This perspective emphasizes brain structure and function, genetic predispositions, and neurotransmitter imbalances. For example, schizophrenia has been associated with both genetic...
Anorexia Nervosa
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
Bulimia Nervosa
Binge Eating Disorders
Treatment Strategies for Psychological Disorders
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...
Behavior Therapy
Exposure therapy is a cornerstone of behavioral treatment for anxiety disorders. It involves systematic exposure to feared stimuli, either in real...

