Addiction treatment for the fight against Anorexia Nervosa

Bentvelzen, Judith (2021) Addiction treatment for the fight against Anorexia Nervosa. Bachelor's Thesis, Life Science and Technology.

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Abstract

Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is a complex eating disorder that shows extreme starvation and excessive exercise as characteristic behaviour. Consequences of this can include a range of health issues and even death. Similarities in neuronal mechanisms have caused AN to be linked with addiction, as described in the auto-addiction opioid model. This review takes a neurobiological approach to find out how the overlap between AN and addiction can be useful for treating AN. The overlapping mechanism between the two diseases has been found to be a dependency on an either exogenous or endogenous rewarding substance. Such dependency results in increased dopamine thresholds and a state of anhedonia during abstinence. Those things associated with the addictive behaviour become conditioned stimuli that trigger craving. Current knowledge about the mechanisms and treatments for both diseases is examined to find opportunities in AN treatment. Pharmacological and behavioural therapies have been found to be potential candidates for new approaches in the fight against AN.

Item Type:	Thesis (Bachelor's Thesis)
Supervisor name:	Scheurink, A.W.
Degree programme:	Life Science and Technology
Thesis type:	Bachelor's Thesis
Language:	English
Date Deposited:	11 Aug 2021 07:58
Last Modified:	11 Aug 2021 07:58
URI:	https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/25654

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