Eating disorders: National Institute of Mental Health's perspective.
The mission of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is to reduce the burden of mental and behavioral disorders through research, and eating disorders embody an important fraction of this burden. Although past and current research has provided important knowledge regarding the etiology, classification, pathophysiology, and treatment of the eating disorders, there are still significant challenges that need to be addressed. This article briefly describes some of these challenges, recent NIMH-supported research and research-related activities directed at addressing these challenges, and approaches and areas of research that hold promise for furthering the understanding and treatment of eating disorders.
Chavez
Mark
M
National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. mchavez1@mail.nih.gov
Insel
Thomas R
TR
D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004358:Drug Therapy / Q000379:methods; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D009315:National Institute of Mental Health (U.S.); D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods; D014481:United States