Biological explanation for anorexia

• What is one genetic explanation for anorexia nervosa according to Guisinger?

  It is an evolved genetic response to famine.
• How are the symptoms of anorexia viewed in the famine hypothesis?

  As adaptive traits beneficial during famine.
• Why would restricting food intake have been necessary for our ancestors?

  There was little food to share among communities.
• What does denial of starvation represent in the context of famine survival?

  A defense mechanism promoting psychological strength.
• How does hyperactivity relate to the survival of our ancestors during famine?

  It motivated them to migrate to find food.
• What does the hypothesis suggest about individuals who are genetically susceptible to anorexia?

  Weight loss may trigger adaptive symptoms.
• What specific approach does the famine hypothesis belong to?

  Biological - Evolutionary
• What unique aspect does this hypothesis help explain about anorexia?

  Anorexia in men
• Why might the famine hypothesis be limited in explaining anorexia nervosa today?

  We do not experience famine in current times.
• What does the evolutionary famine hypothesis account for?

  Anorexia-like syndromes in other animals and men.
• What expectation does the evolutionary famine hypothesis create regarding anorexia in men?

  We would expect more instances of anorexia.
• What does the resistance to eating in anorexic patients suggest?

  It occurs despite food being available.
• What did Holland (1988) find regarding concordance rates for anorexia in MZ twins?

  56% concordance rates
• What did Holland and Treasure (1995) find in their study on MZ and DZ twins?

  65% for MZ twins and 32% for DZ twins.
• What do the concordance rates suggest about genetic influence on anorexia?

  There is a strong genetic influence.
• What is a limitation regarding the identification of specific genes in anorexia patients?

  No specific genes have been identified as mutated.
• What does the concordance rate of around 60% in identical twins suggest?

  Other factors influence the development of anorexia.
• What influences the validity of twin studies on anorexia nervosa?

  The shared environments of MZ and DZ twins.
• What neurotransmitter is primarily involved in the biological explanation of anorexia nervosa?

  Serotonin
• How is serotonin linked to the characteristics of anorexia nervosa?

  It alters behaviors associated with anorexia.
• What supporting evidence did Kaye (2005) provide regarding serotonin?

  Disturbances in serotonin systems in anorectics.
• What does the supporting evidence suggest about serotonin's role in anorexia nervosa?

  It plays a significant role in the disorder.
• What is a limitation of the supporting evidence regarding serotonin in anorexia?

  It ignores the impact of severe weight changes.