Understanding the genetic predisposition to anorexia nervosa

The aim of this article is to review the current evidence for a genetic com ponent of susceptibility to anorexia nervosa. We discuss the historical dat a that gave rise to the theory of a genetic component underlying susceptibi lity to anorexia nervosa and discuss the relative importance of the assumpt ions made. We illustrate through reference to more recent studies the type of approach that will be required to determine the genes involved in this u nderlying genetic susceptibility and summarise the story so far. There is n ow supporting data consistent with the theory that a genetic component is i nvolved in the susceptibility to anorexia nervosa. However, it is clear tha t further studies involving larger numbers of subjects are required in orde r to clarify these recent findings. The current case-control association st udies may go some way towards describing the genetic component of anorexia nervosa. However, it is important to accept that replication in independent study cohorts will be required before the rest of the scientific world wil l accept the current evidence. A world-wide study is currently under way. I t allows patient cohorts from different countries to be compared. We hope t hat it will enable us to understand more clearly the genetics of this compl ex disorder. Copyright (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Earing Disorders Association.