Eating disorders may have a genetic basis
by Samara Ginsberg // 17 August 2007, 13:58
Professor Janet Treasure reports in The Times about her research into eating disorders, courting the possibility that these severe psychiatric conditions may be caused at least in part by the physiological functioning of the brain.
Professor Treasure likens eating disorders to autistic spectrum disorders, describing the "distorted pattern of processing information" that can lead to people developing anorexia or bulimia as "the female form of Asperger's".
It's fantastic to see an example in the media of eating disorders being taken seriously as psychiatric conditions when all too often they are brushed under the size-zero carpet and attributed to simple vanity taken a step too far by silly girls trying too hard to look attractive.
To find out more about Professor Treasure's research or to offer your services as a volunteer, visit the website for further information.
Photo by astrokitten shared under a Creative Commons license.
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