Research on eating disorders: Current status and future prospects

This report summarizes the main themes addressed at a workshop on research on eating disorders (EDs), which was hosted by the National Institute of Me ntal Health in December 1998. Both basic behavioral neuroscientists and cli nical investigators met in an effort to integrate nl eas of research and fo ster collaborations. Considerable advances have been made in understanding the neuroendocrinological mechanisms that regulate appetite and food intake . These achievements are in sharp contrast with the limited progress in elu cidating the pathogenesis of EDs and developing effective treatment and pre ventive interventions. Anorexia nervosa remains a highly morbid condition w ith the highest mortality of any other psychiatric disorder. Besides acute refeeding techniques, no specific interventions have been proven effective in changing the long-term course of anorexia nervosa. Efficacious treatment s exist for bulimia nervosa, bur their underutilization calls for research on translating experimental findings into clinical practice. Closer interfa ce between neuroscientists and clinical researchers is required for advanci ng our under-standing of ED pathogenesis and developing effective treatment s. Recent studies are suggestive of a substantial genetic contribution to E Ds that deserves further investigation. Finally, there is art urgent need t o examine risk and protective factors for EDs, on which safe and effective prevention can be built.