Stress hormones and eating disorders

Aims: The aim of this paper is to emphasize the role of stress processes in the aetiology of eating disorders. Methods: We have examined the literature for evidence that people with eating disorders might exhibit markers of stress and show signs of the “maltreated ecophenotype”. Results: Early adversity is more common among people with binge eating behaviours. The secondary effects of malnutrition, which are mostly marked in anorexia nervosa, may be an added stressor that could also contribute to the stress related phenotype. People with eating disorders have anomalies in brain structure, reward and punishment sensitivity, and the balance between HPA and SMA function. These may be potential targets for treatment.