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Eating disorders and depression: is there a serotonin connection?
D C Jimerson1, M D Lesem, W H Kaye
1Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Hospital, Boston, MA 02215.
Biological Psychiatry
|September 1, 1990
Summary
Central serotonin pathways influence eating, mood, and impulsivity. Impaired serotonin function may link eating disorders like bulimia nervosa to depression and binge eating behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Central serotonin pathways regulate eating patterns, mood, and behavioral impulsivity.
- Dysregulation of serotonin is implicated in major depression and eating disorders.
- Impaired postingestive satiety in bulimia nervosa may involve reduced hypothalamic serotonergic responsiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and compare evidence for central serotonin regulation alterations in anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and depression.
- To explore the role of serotonin dysregulation in the co-occurrence of eating disorders and depressive episodes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review comparing studies on serotonin pathways in eating disorders and depression.
- Analysis of evidence for altered serotonergic responsiveness and synaptic transmission.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests impaired central serotonin regulation in anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and depression.
- Reduced hypothalamic serotonergic responsiveness is linked to impaired satiety in bulimia nervosa.
- Serotonin dysregulation may contribute to mood disturbances and impulsivity in eating disorders.
Conclusions:
- Impaired synaptic transmission in distinct serotonin pathways may underlie binge eating, impulsivity, and depression in eating disorders.
- Central serotonin pathways are critical in the pathophysiology of eating disorders and their psychiatric comorbidities.
- Further research into serotonin modulation could offer novel therapeutic targets for eating disorders and depression.