Brain Neurotransmitters and Eating Disorders

This chapter provides an overview of the evidence base implicating neurotransmitter dysfunction in eating disorder pathology, with a particular focus on Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa. We review a large body of literature accumulated over decades that shows alterations in both serotonin and dopamine systems in those with eating disorders and discuss the specific relevance of these neurotransmitter systems to eating disorder pathology. This chapter also includes a discussion of the growing recognition that, as complex psychiatric disorders, eating disorders likely involve multiple neurotransmitter systems that may interact. Throughout the chapter, we consider how elucidating neurotransmitter dysfunction may help to clarify our understanding of the neuropathophysiology of these disorders (e.g., how such factors elevate risk for and maintain eating pathology) and inform the development of targeted, mechanism-based treatments.