Neural circuits, neurotransmitters, and behavior: serotonin and temperament in bulimic syndromes.
In bulimia nervosa (BN), and in related binge-purge syndromes, factors affecting central serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) function appear to contribute not only to appetitive dysregulation but also to temperamental and personality manifestations. Drawing upon findings from neurobiological, molecular-genetic, and brain-imaging studies, we present an integrative model of the role of 5-HT function in bulimic syndromes. At the core of our model is a consideration of the ways in which diverse hereditary and environmental influences impact the action of the 5-HT system. We believe that our model helps account for heterogeneous traits seen in the bulimic population, for disproportionate representation of individuals displaying pathological personality traits and exposure to severe environmental stressors, and for interindividual variations as to treatment response.
Douglas University Institute, 6875 LaSalle Blvd, Montreal (Verdun), QC, Canada, H4H 1R3. stehow@douglas.mcgill.ca
Howard
H
Steiger
Kenneth R
KR
Bruce
Patricia
P
Groleau
D000818:Animals; D001526:Behavioral Symptoms / Q000209:etiology*; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D002032:Bulimia / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism*; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism; D013694:Temperament
D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D012701:Serotonin