Bulimia nervosa and evidence for striatal dopamine dysregulation: A conceptual review

Allegra I. Broft, Laura A. Berner, Diana Martinez, B. Timothy Walsh

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

27 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: This article reviews concepts and evidence, based in particular on the work of Bartley G. Hoebel and colleagues, which suggest that a better understanding of the role of striatal dopamine (DA) in the initiation and/or maintenance of bulimia nervosa (BN) may result in a clearer characterization of mechanisms underlying BN. Methods: Literature review, using PubMed search. Results: Several lines of evidence, including the work of Bartley G. Hoebel, implicate the importance of striatal DA in feeding behavior, as well as in the disordered eating behaviors relevant to BN. Preclinical models of 'BN-like' eating behaviors have been associated with changes in striatal DA and DA receptor measures. Emerging clinical research also suggests that striatal DA abnormalities exist in individuals with BN. Conclusion: Alterations in striatal DA may exist in patients with BN. While the precise relationship between these findings and the etiology and maintenance of bulimic symptomatology remains unclear, further investigation of brain DA systems is a fruitful avenue of future research in BN.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)122-127
Number of pages6
JournalPhysiology and Behavior
Volume104
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 25 Jul 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Bulimia nervosa
  • Dopamine
  • Eating disorders
  • PET imaging
  • Reward
  • Substance abuse

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