Neurobiology Of Anorexia Nervosa

Abstract The present rewiev was focused on the Anorexia Nervosa (AN), the role of neurotransmitters and peptides involved as well as the drugs used in the treatment of these diseases. For AN we intend a syndrome characterized by an persistent alteration of eating behavior and the conducts that cause an insufficient ingestion and/ or adsorption of aliments. The AN is complex conditions that arise from a combination of long-standing behavioral, emotional, psychological, interpersonal, and social factors. The neuronal circuits that control the ingestion of food is mainly related to catecholaminergic, serotoninergic and peptidergic systems. In this respect, while serotonin, dopamine and prostaglandin promote the ingestion of food, on the other side. neuropeptide Y, nor-epinephrine, GABA, opioid peptides inhibit it thus causing the insurgence of AN. The drugs mainly used in the treatment of AN are the antidepressants as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressant. Also, mood stabilizers (lithium), anxiolytics, serotonin and noradrenalin reuptake inhibitors and antipsychotic are often used in the treatment of AN.