title: Serotonin and bulimia nervosa.
abstract: Serotonin (5HT) is one of several neuromodulators of feeding. Experimentally reducing 5HT activity in animals increases food intake, while increasing 5HT activity has the opposite effect. Studies suggest that women with bulimia nervosa show signs of reduced 5HT activity, which may be related to binge eating. Data supporting the theory that reduced central nervous system 5HT activity may play a role in the pathophysiology of bulimia nervosa is reviewed. Disturbances of 5HT activity and the relationship to other psychopathology in bulimia nervosa, such as depression, substance abuse, and impulsivity, are also reviewed.
authors.affiliation: University of Wisconsin-Madison Medical School.
authors.forename: T E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Weltzin
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Fernstrom
authors.forename: W H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Kaye
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002032:Bulimia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D012701:Serotonin / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications
chemical_list: D012701:Serotonin