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Hyperactivity in Anorexia Nervosa

Visser, Marije (2021) Hyperactivity in Anorexia Nervosa. Bachelor's Thesis, Biology.

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Abstract

Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is a severe eating disorder characterized by significant weight loss and restricted food intake. With a mortality rate of 5.9%, the disease is the leading cause of mental disorder related deaths. AN patients are observed to be hyperactive, meaning that they exercise excessively and are overall restless. In this thesis, the following question is answered: “Is AN accompanied by hyperactivity and, if so, which mechanisms are behind this hyperactivity?”. Over the years, hyperactivity rates in AN patients have been observed ranging from 38 to 80%. Hyperactivity is most prevalent in the restricted subtype of AN patients. From a perspective that involves the energy homeostasis, it seems counterintuitive that AN patients are hyperactive. Yet, becoming active in times of food shortage was favoured by evolution. This activity has therefore evolved to be rewarding. In AN patients, the rewarding aspect of hyperactivity has become addictive. Hence, the hyperactivity in AN patients can be deemed as an addiction to them. The addictive aspect of being active should thus be taken into consideration when treating patients of AN.

Item Type: Thesis (Bachelor's Thesis)
Supervisor name: Scheurink, A.J.W.
Degree programme: Biology
Thesis type: Bachelor's Thesis
Language: English
Date Deposited: 06 Aug 2021 12:30
Last Modified: 06 Aug 2021 12:30
URI: https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/25601

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