title: Oxytocin and anorexia nervosa: a review of the emerging literature.
abstract: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is an intractable illness that is difficult to treat. The identification of neural correlates and novel agents to transform treatment has become priority avenues for research. Oxytocin (OT) is a neuropeptide whose emerging sphere of influence on mammalian behaviour and demonstrated impact on psychiatric illness suggest it may have potential in AN. In this paper, we undertake a targeted summary of the existing literature on OT research as it pertains to brain based behaviour and psychiatric dysfunction. Then, we conduct a systematic review of OT in AN. Papers that addressed any aspect of the OT system in AN were examined. The existing literature, although limited and based on small sample sizes, suggests a derangement of the OT system in AN that may normalise upon recovery. Preliminary pilot data from unpublished studies suggest a potential effect of OT administration on eating-related indices.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Eating and Dieting Disorders, Boden Institute, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Maguire
authors.forename: Adrienne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: O'Dell
authors.forename: Lauren
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Touyz
authors.forename: Janice
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Russell
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology; D004435:Eating; D006801:Humans; D010120:Oxytocics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010121:Oxytocin / Q000502:physiology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D010120:Oxytocics; D010121:Oxytocin
keywords: anorexia nervosa; eating disorders; neuropeptide; oxytocin; treatment