Anorexia nervosa - two major challenges: primary prevention and preventing a chronic course

We aim to prevent children from developing anorexia nervosa (AN), and to prevent development of chronic AN.

We accomplish the assignments by 1) investigating neurobiological factors in children at high risk of developing AN; 2) examining neurobiological factors contributing to chronic AN.

Two samples are assessed: 1) daughters, 6-12-years, of women with AN, a high-risk group for developing AN; 2) patients with chronic AN. Both samples include age-matched healthy controls.

All individuals are examined at Sahlgrenska University Hospital regarding neurobiological markers (appetite hormones, inflammatory markers), neuropsychological profile, brain function/structure (MRI) and psychiatric symptoms. PhD students administer neuropsychological tests and interpret neuroimaging data.

The research group includes expertise in child/general psychiatry (PI), pediatric endocrinology, neuroimaging and appetite regulation. 70 children have been examined. Analyzing data and writing manuscripts take 3-years. 100 chronic AN patients are participating. Recruitment is completed after 3-years.

After 3-5-years the girls and the chronic AN patients are followed up. Neurobiological and psychiatric abnormalities in AN may be present before AN onset. Knowledge about premorbid traits can prevent AN onset. There is no treatment for chronic AN. Never before has such a broad approach to studying chronic AN been undertaken.

The findings may lead to the development of tailored treatments to cure chronic AN.