THE PSYCHOBIOLOGY OF EATING BEHAVIOR IN ANOREXIA-NERVOSA

Two models for conceptualizing eating behavior are presented and the d evelopment of the experimental methodology to examine eating behavior is described in historical context. Specific studies of eating behavio r in eating disorder patients are described with emphasis on how these studies examine aspects of the two hypothetical models that are prese nted on eating behavior. The studies present and focus on hunger and s atiety perceptions, cognitive sets, and the neurotransmitter associate d with satiety, serotonin. Unfortunately, no single investigation can encompass all of the variables that need to be measured that affect ea ting behavior. The studies described of both acutely ill and short-ter m recovered eating disorder patients indicate there may be some percep tual and physiological traits that are present in anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Studies over a longer period of time are needed to s ubstantiate this. An eventual integrative explanation of disturbed eat ing behavior that is documented in eating disorder patients will be po ssible only after extensive investigations of the components.