Mood- and restraint-based antecedents to binge episodes in bulimia nervosa: possible influences of the serotonin system.
BACKGROUND
In bulimic syndromes, binge episodes are thought to be caused by dietary restraint and negative moods. However, as central serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine: 5-HT) mechanisms regulate appetite and mood, the 5-HT system could be implicated in diet- and mood-based binge antecedents.


METHODS
We used hand-held computers to obtain repeated "online" measurements of eating behaviors, moods, and self-concepts in 21 women with bulimic syndromes, and modeled 5-HT system activity with a measure of platelet [3H]paroxetine-binding density.


RESULTS
Mood and self-concept ratings were found to be worse before binge episodes (than at other moments), and cognitive restraint was increased. After binges, mood and self-concept deteriorated further, and thoughts of dieting became more intense. Intriguingly, lower paroxetine-binding density predicted poorer mood and self-concept before a binge, larger post-binge decrements in mood and self-concept, and larger post-binge increases in dietary restraint.


CONCLUSIONS
Paroxetine binding thus seemed to reflect processes that impacted upon mood-related antecedents to binge episodes, and consequences implicating mood and dietary restraint.
Steiger
Howard
H
Eating Disorders Program, Douglas Hospital, 6875 LaSalle Boulevard, Montreal (Verdun), Quebec, Canada H4H 1R3. stehow@douglas.mcgill.ca
Gauvin
Lise
L
Engelberg
Marla J
MJ
Ying Kin
N M K Ng
NM
Israel
Mimi
M
Wonderlich
Stephen A
SA
Richardson
Jodie
J
D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D002032:Bulimia / Q000097:blood / Q000523:psychology*; D034201:Computers, Handheld; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015233:Models, Statistical; D017374:Paroxetine / Q000378:metabolism*; D012649:Self Concept; D012701:Serotonin / Q000097:blood*; D012984:Software; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D012701:Serotonin; D017374:Paroxetine