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Unit 5: Clinical Psychology
5.3 Anorexia Nervosa
5.3.2 Biological Explanations
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What is anorexia nervosa characterized by?
Persistent restriction of energy intake
One of the key diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa is significantly low body
weight
Match the subtype of anorexia nervosa with its description:
Restricting Type ↔️ Weight loss through dieting
Binge-Eating/Purging Type ↔️ Episodes of binge eating or purging
Heritability estimates for anorexia nervosa range from 33% to
84%
.
Genes involved in serotonin regulation may contribute to anorexia
nervosa
Which gene variations are linked to anorexia nervosa?
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)
Twin studies highlight the genetic component of
anorexia nervosa
.
Genetic factors interact with environmental factors to influence the development of
anorexia
Heritability estimates for anorexia nervosa range from 33% to
84%
Genetic factors involved in serotonin regulation may contribute to
anorexia nervosa
.
What role does BDNF play in anorexia nervosa?
Linked to gene variations
Twin studies show that if one identical twin has anorexia nervosa, the other twin is more likely to develop the
disorder
Genetic factors interact with environmental factors in the development of
anorexia nervosa
.
What is the range of heritability estimates for anorexia nervosa?
33% to 84%
Match the genetic factor with its role in anorexia nervosa:
Serotonin regulation ↔️ Genes involved in mood and appetite
BDNF ↔️ Variations linked to the disorder
Estrogen receptors ↔️ Genetic variations may play a role
What are the defining characteristics of anorexia nervosa?
Low weight, fear of gain
In the restricting type of anorexia nervosa, weight loss is achieved through dieting, fasting, and excessive
exercise
What behaviors characterize the binge-eating/purging type of anorexia nervosa?
Binge eating or purging
Neurochemical imbalances in
anorexia nervosa
affect mood, appetite, and cognitive processes.
What is the impact of low serotonin levels in anorexia nervosa?
Increased obsessive behaviors
Imbalances in ghrelin and leptin in anorexia nervosa can lead to abnormal hunger and satiety
cues
Match the brain difference with its impact in anorexia nervosa:
Reduced gray matter ↔️ Affects cognitive processing
Altered neural activity ↔️ Affects emotional regulation
Dopamine-mediated reward pathway ↔️ Reduced pleasure from food
What are the defining characteristics of anorexia nervosa?
Low weight, fear of gain
Hormones such as leptin and ghrelin play a key role in regulating appetite in
anorexia nervosa
.
Lower levels of estrogen in anorexia nervosa contribute to mood changes and menstrual
irregularities
What is a limitation of biological explanations for anorexia nervosa?
Neglects psychological factors