Researchers at the Douglas Hospital’s Eating Disorders Program (EDP) have just presented research findings indicating that -contrary to popular beliefs- genetic factors are as important as social ones in the onset of anorexia and bulimia. These disorders develop in response to an interaction between a genetic predisposition and external variables, such as social pressures.

“For a long time, we pointed our finger at fashion magazines and their promotion of super-thin top models as the cause of anorexia and bulimia”, explains Howard Steiger, Ph.D., psychologist and director of the Douglas Hospital EDP. “Although we condemn the unhealthy message created by such publications, our results show that the social pressure to be thin alone should not be enough to cause a person to fall prey to an eating disorder”.

In a study involving over 60 women with eating disorders (and 25 women in a control group), researchers observed a genetic variation that has an impact on serotonin - a neurotransmitter which, amongst other things, plays a key role in appetite, mood, anxiety, etc. This genetic variation appears to render affected people more susceptible to disturbances of the serotonin system. And it looks like this might be especially so if they diet. In other words, for these people, dieting may affect brain serotonin, thus beginning the downward spiral to an eating disorder.

“These research results are important because they help us better understand the susceptibility to developing eating disorders. Through such findings, we have hopes of developing better means of matching specific treatments to the needs of specific individuals. In continuing research, we are studying how environmental pressures act upon specific genetic vulnerabilities and how these vulnerabilities might be transmitted from one generation to another in high-risk families”, he concludes.

In addition to his work at the Douglas Hospital, Howard Steiger is a professor of psychiatry and psychology at McGill University. In July of last year, he was awarded the 2002 Heinz Lehmann Award by the Canadian College of Neuropsychopharmacology for his research into eating disorders.

The Douglas Hospital Eating Disorders Program is the only program in Quebec to combine clinical care, research, and teaching for an adult clientele suffering form anorexia and bulimia. The EDP offers clinical services – from therapeutic interventions right through to hospitalization – according to the needs of the users. Biopsychosocial research is integrated at all levels and a number of university students go to this program to receive their ultraspecialized training.
 

Information

Florence Meney
Media Relation
Communications and public affairs
Phone: 514-761-6131, ext. 2769
Cell.: 514-835-3236
florence_dot_meney_At_douglas_dot_mcgill_dot_ca