From Disordered Eating to Addiction: the "Food Drug" in Bulimia Nervosa.
Umberg, Erin.
2011
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Abstract: The high
prevalence of substance abuse in individuals with Bulimia Nervosa (BN) and the pervasive
symptom substitution in many types of drug addiction suggest that a number of
substances--including food--can impair an individual's self-control, even in the
presence of negative consequences. Nonetheless, the neurobiological similarities between
BN and drug addiction are not clearly ... read moreestablished. This review explores how the specific
eating patterns seen in BN (binge eating and purging, with intermittent dietary
restriction) are particularly addictive and differentiate BN from other eating disorders
and obesity. A number of peripheral and central biological aberrations seen in BN may
result in altered reward sensitivity in these individuals, particularly through effects
on the dopaminergic system. Neurobiological findings support the notion that BN is an
addictive disorder, which has treatment
implications.
Thesis (M.S.)--Tufts University, 2011.
Submitted to the Dept. of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
Advisor: David Greenblatt.
Committee: George Hsu, and Richard Shader.
Keywords: Pharmacology, Neurosciences, and Psychology.read less - ID:
- zp38wq57q
- Component ID:
- tufts:20602
- To Cite:
- TARC Citation Guide EndNote
