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Measures of serotonin metabolism in anorexia nervosa
Author(s) -
Hassanyeh F.,
Marshall E. F.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
acta psychiatrica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.849
H-Index - 146
eISSN - 1600-0447
pISSN - 0001-690X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0447.1991.tb03195.x
Subject(s) - anorexia nervosa , homovanillic acid , serotonin , medicine , anorexia , paroxetine , endocrinology , psychology , monoamine oxidase , psychiatry , eating disorders , biochemistry , chemistry , receptor , enzyme
Thirty‐five consecutive attenders at a clinic specializing in anorexia nervosa were studied. All conformed to a DSM‐III‐R diagnosis for anorexia nervosa. In addition, 3 cases suffered from major depressive disorder and 9 from dysthymia. Blood from all patients was analysed for monoamine oxidase, serotonin (5‐HT), 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5‐HIAA), homovanillic acid (HVA), tryptophan and platelet paroxetine binding. Findings showed that blood 5‐HT was higher than normal in all patient groups, and was highest in those having affective disorder with anorexia nervosa. However, of the patients with anorexia nervosa alone, a subgroup having greatest weight loss had blood 5‐HT levels significantly below all other groups. Lack of significant changes in other parameters compared with normal subjects points to the possibility of abnormal 5‐HT storage or release.