Post-viral onset of anorexia nervosa.
BACKGROUND
The pathogenesis of anorexia nervosa (AN) is controversial.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Such mechanisms are speculative, but biologically and historically plausible.
Park
R J
RJ
Department of Psychiatry, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Morningside Park.
Lawrie
S M
SM
Freeman
C P
CP
D000328:Adult; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006706:Homeostasis / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007244:Infectious Mononucleosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D019965:Neurocognitive Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications
D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone