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A Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Eating Disorder Analysis and Diagnosis
Published on: May 10, 2022
The genetics of eating disorders
Sara E Trace1, Jessica H Baker, Eva Peñas-Lledó
1Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA. strace@med.unc.edu
Annual Review of Clinical Psychology
|March 30, 2013
Summary
Genetic factors significantly influence eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder, accounting for 40-60% of risk. Research is identifying specific genetic variants and their role in disease development and treatment response.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral genetics
- Psychiatric genetics
- Molecular genetics
Background:
- Eating disorders exhibit familial aggregation, suggesting a genetic component.
- Twin studies indicate substantial heritability for anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge eating disorder (BED).
- Genetic factors are estimated to account for 40-60% of the liability to these disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the scientific literature on the genetic underpinnings of AN, BN, and BED.
- To explore molecular genetics findings related to the pathogenesis of eating disorders.
- To examine genetic influences on treatment response variability in eating disorders.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of extant scientific literature.
- Analysis of findings from twin and molecular genetics studies.
- Synthesis of current hypotheses and future research directions.
Main Results:
- Additive genetic factors play a significant role (40-60%) in the liability to AN, BN, and BED.
- Molecular genetics studies are identifying DNA sequence and gene expression alterations implicated in eating disorder pathogenesis.
- Genetic variants may influence individual differences in treatment response.
Conclusions:
- Genetics are a major contributor to the development of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.
- Continued research in molecular genetics is crucial for understanding disease mechanisms.
- Identifying genetic factors may lead to personalized treatment strategies for eating disorders.
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