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eating disorders

·January 27, 2025·4 min read

Opioid Dysregulation in the Brain Tied to Eating Disorders

Elevated 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.

This shows a brain, food, and silverware.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·January 10, 2025·5 min read

Delayed Brain Maturation Links Genetics and Eating Disorders

Over half of 23-year-olds display restrictive, emotional, or uncontrolled eating behaviors, with delayed brain maturation playing a significant role. The research linked structural brain differences, mental health challenges, and genetic predispositions to the development of disordered eating behaviors from adolescence to adulthood. MRI data showed delayed cortical thinning in unhealthy eaters, especially in regions like the cerebellum, which regulates appetite.

This shows a teenage girl listening to music in her room.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 11, 2024·5 min read

Taylor Swift’s Positive Impact on Fans’ Body Image and Eating Disorders

A new study finds that Taylor Swift's openness about her struggles with body image and eating disorders positively influences her fans' attitudes. Researchers analyzed thousands of online comments, revealing that fans view Swift as a role model for recovery and feel inspired by her transparency.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 13, 2024·3 min read

Psilocybin Shows Promise in Anorexia Treatment

A 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.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 17, 2024·4 min read

Flexible Responses Boost Healthy Food Attitudes

A flexible response to food cues significantly improves attitudes towards high-calorie foods among women with controlled eating habits. The research involved 78 women, employing tests like the Implicit Association Test and the Food Stop-Signal Task to assess their subconscious attitudes and impulse control towards food.

This shows a woman taking a photo of an empty plate.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 14, 2024·5 min read

Social Media Fuels Eating Disorder Echo Chambers

A new study investigates the role of social media in exacerbating eating disorders among users. Researchers used machine learning to analyze millions of tweets, uncovering a troubling cycle where harmful content related to eating disorders is easily accessible and often intertwined with regular diet discussions.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·February 13, 2024·5 min read

Unraveling Cannabis’s Role in Binge Eating Behaviors

Over 23% of individuals seeking treatment for binge eating reported using cannabis in the past three months, suggesting a potential connection between substance use and eating disorders. Despite higher alcohol consumption and related problems among cannabis users, there was no significant increase in the severity of eating disorder or depression symptoms.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 4, 2024·3 min read

Early Riser? Anorexia Nervosa Linked to Morning Chronotype

Individuals 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.

This shows a woman with glasses of wine and a plate of food.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·September 18, 2023·5 min read

Genetic Link Between Eating Disorders and Alcohol Use Discovered

A comprehensive study of adolescent twins unveils a genetic nexus between disordered eating and alcohol use disorders (AUDs). This correlation underscores worse outcomes, including fatality, especially when these conditions manifest simultaneously in younger teens.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·February 10, 2023·3 min read

Dry Scooping: A Risky Dietary Practice Common Among Adolescents and Young Adults

"Dry scooping" or directly consuming pre-workout drink powders without adding liquid is becoming an increasingly concerning dietary fad in young adolescents and young adults. Dry scooping has been associated with extremely negative health outcomes including risk of inhalation, cardiac abnormalities, and digestive issues.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·February 4, 2023·2 min read

Neural Correlates of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention in Anorexia Nervosa

Mindfulness meditation training reduces anxiety associated with eating disorders by altering the activity of brain areas associated with anxiety.

This shows an apple with a tape measure wrapped around it

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 19, 2023·3 min read

Potential Target for Therapeutics Against Eating Disorders Identified

Uridine, a precursor of RNA, increases hunger when ingested, a new study reports. The findings offer hope for the development of new therapies to help treat those suffering from eating disorders.