FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·January 27, 2025·4 min readOpioid Dysregulation in the Brain Tied to Eating DisordersElevated opioid neurotransmission in the brain may underlie appetite loss and emotional symptoms in anorexia nervosa. Compared to healthy controls, patients with anorexia had increased opioidergic tone, which regulates appetite, pleasure, and mood.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·May 13, 2024·3 min readPsilocybin Shows Promise in Anorexia TreatmentA new study highlights the potential of psilocybin, found in magic mushrooms, as a treatment for anorexia nervosa (AN), a psychiatric disorder with one of the highest mortality rates. The research demonstrated that psilocybin enhances cognitive flexibility and body weight maintenance in an animal model of AN.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·January 4, 2024·3 min readEarly Riser? Anorexia Nervosa Linked to Morning ChronotypeIndividuals with anorexia nervosa tend to be early risers, in contrast to many other mental disorders often associated with evening chronotypes. The study also finds a connection between anorexia nervosa and increased risk of insomnia.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·February 4, 2023·2 min readNeural Correlates of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention in Anorexia NervosaMindfulness meditation training reduces anxiety associated with eating disorders by altering the activity of brain areas associated with anxiety.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·June 14, 2022·5 min readSubstantial Differences in Brain Structure in People With AnorexiaNeuroimaging study reveals those with anorexia have noticeable reductions in cortical thickness, subcortical volume, and cortical surface area. The reductions are between 2 to 4 times larger than abnormalities in brain size and shape in those with other mental illnesses.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology·June 7, 2022·5 min readStark Changes in Brain Structure for People With AnorexiaThe brains of those with anorexia have sizable reductions in three critical measures, including cortical thickness, subcortical volume, and cortical surface area.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·May 7, 2022·4 min readAbnormal Activity of Brain Circuit Causes AnorexiaHyperactivity in a serotonin-dopamine circuit in the brain appears to be responsible for persistent anorexia in animal models. The DRD1 receptor appears to drive the hyperactivity. Deleting the DRD1 gene restored normal eating behaviors in animals.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·June 30, 2021·6 min readEating Disorder Behaviors Alter Reward Response in the BrainEating disorder behaviors are reinforced due to changes in the brain's reward response processes and alterations in the food intake control network.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·June 22, 2021·5 min readBrain Differences in Interpreting Physical Signals in Mental Health DisordersActivity in the dorsal mid insular could drive different interpretations in bodily sensations in those with mental health disorders like depression, anorexia, and panic disorders.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·April 12, 2021·8 min readStress Does Not Lead to Loss of Self-Control in Eating DisordersContrary to popular belief, people with eating disorders like bulimia nervosa do not lose control and binge eat in response to stressful events.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology·January 12, 2021·4 min readGut Microbes May Antagonize or Assist in AnorexiaPromoting and maintaining a better gut microbial balance may help to protect against symptoms of anorexia in those with the eating disorder.Read More
FeaturedPsychology·October 13, 2020·3 min readStudy Links Eating Disorders With Body DysmorphiaPeople with eating disorders are up to twelve times more likely to experience body dysmorphia than those without a history of eating disorders. 76% of those with eating disorders report suffering from body dysmorphia, a new study reveals.Read More
