Gastrointestinal Disturbances in Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa

Title: Gastrointestinal Disturbances in Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa

Volume: 2 Issue: 1

Author(s): Sallie Jo Hadley and B. Timothy Walsh

Affiliation:

Keywords: gastric emptying, gastric capacity, gastric relaxation, cck, autonomic dysfunction, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa

Abstract: Disturbances in the functioning of the upper gastrointestinal (GI ) tract have been described in both Anorexia Nervosa (AN) and Bulimia Nervosa (BN). Patients with AN experience substantial delays in gastric emptying as well as constipation. These problems may give rise to significant medical complications and may contribute to increased difficulties with refeeding and weight restoration. Reported GI disturbances in BN include increased gastric capacity, diminished gastric relaxation, delayed gastric emptying, diminished release of cholecystokinin (CCK) and abnormalities of enteric autonomic function, all of which may play a role in perpetuation of the syndrome. This article reviews evidence for the most common disturbances of GI function in AN and BN and discusses potential GI targets for therapeutic intervention.

Cite this article as:

Hadley Jo Sallie and Walsh Timothy B., Gastrointestinal Disturbances in Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa, Current Drug Targets - CNS & Neurological Disorders 2003; 2 (1) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1568007033338715