Possible genetic link between eating disorders and seasonal changes in mood and behavior

Studies suggest that there is a seasonal pattern of mood fluctuations and e ating behavior in patients with eating disorders. Multiple lines of evidenc e suggest that serotonergic pathways are involved in the mechanisms of eati ng disorders and seasonal changes in mood and behavior. Researchers have in vestigated whether variants of genes related to serotonergic transmission a re associated with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and eating disorders. There is evidence that the -1438G/A promoter polymorphism of the 5-HT2A gen e plays a role in the development of SAD and eating disorders. Variation of the tryptophan hydroxylase gene may play a part in eating behavior and wei ght regulation in females with SAD. The author suggests that there may be a genetic link between SAD and eating disorders. It is possible that there a re specific inherited personality types with a predisposition to both eatin g disorders and SAD. (C) 2001 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.