Starvation, says Kaye, may be a way for them to reduce those uncomfortable
feelings, creating a vicious cycle.
Genetics researchers now suspect that, like obesity,
anorexia may be inherited. Scientists are interested in which of the 31-thousand
genes in the human genome are responsible. It’s a daunting challenge,
admits Kaye, but researchers have already found four regions of the genome
where they believe at least some of those genes reside. Now they’re
training their sights on the specific genes that may play a role in the development
of anorexia.
A study funded by the
National Institutes of Health and the National
Institute of Mental Health is looking at family members who share the
disease. The goal is to find the genes they share. "We try and look at
two or more family members that have anorexia and see which regions of the
genome they have in common," says Kaye, who’s the lead researcher
of the study. But, he points out, it's not just about genetics. "Part
of it is the culture and the environment that we grow up with."
There is currently no medical treatment for anorexia. Most of those who recover,
says Kaye, simply realize that they can give it up or they don’t need
it anymore. But for the others, scientists are hopeful the four-year study
will help them find one.
For more information or to participate in the study go to www.anbn.org.
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