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Post-Viral Onset of Anorexia Nervosa

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

R. J. Park ,
S. M. Lawrie  and
C. P. Freeman
R. J. Park*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Morningside Park, Edinburgh EH10 5HF
S. M. Lawrie
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Morningside Park, Edinburgh EH10 5HF
C. P. Freeman
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Morningside Park, Edinburgh EH10 5HF
*
Dr Park, Department of Psychiatry, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Morningside Park, Edinburgh EH10 5HF
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Abstract

Background

The pathogenesis of anorexia nervosa (AN) is controversial.

Method

A retrospective case series was studied to investigate the post-viral onset of AN.

Results

Four consecutive in-patients with severe restrictive AN spontaneously volunteered histories of ‘glandular fever’-like illnesses immediately before the onset of their eating disorder. This association has not previously been described. Possible pathogenic pathways include both non-specific and specific viral disruptions in central homeostasis, particularly involving corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) regulation.

Conclusion

Such mechanisms are speculative, but biologically and historically plausible.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 166 , Issue 3 , March 1995 , pp. 386 - 389
Copyright
Copyright © 1995 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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