Anorexia nervosa in twins

In 1979, Askevold and Heiberg made an interesting contribution to the discussion on the hereditability of anorexia nervosa by reviewing a series of case reports concerning monozygotic twins. Their data, however, were not entirely accurate and they also overlooked some important references which are briefly discussed. 3 cases of the authors' own practice are added. A final examination of the available data with respect to anorexia nervosa in twins does not substantially support the assumption that genetic factors may play a determining role in the etiology of this syndrome.