Genetics in eating disorders: state of the science.
Eating disorders have been viewed as psychiatric illnesses that are strongly influenced by societal pressures towards thinness and attractiveness. Although the environmental context of these disorders must not be neglected, recent research in the area of genetic epidemiology suggests a substantial influence of genetic factors on liability to eating disorders. This review presents a synthesis of current knowledge about genetic factors implicated in the etiology of eating disorders.
Bulik
Cynthia M
CM
Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Neurosciences Hospital Room 10505, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7160, USA. cbulik@med.unc.edu
Tozzi
Federica
F
D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002032:Bulimia / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002874:Chromosome Mapping; D002878:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 1; D002879:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 10; D004200:Diseases in Twins / Q000235:genetics*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000502:physiology; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D018433:Twin Studies as Topic