Why is it so difficult for people to control or stop an eating disorder once they begin the eating disorder? Apparently, anorexia activates the same pathways in the brain as a club drug called ecstasy according to some scientists from France. Anorexia is an addictive habit because it stimulates the same subset of receptors called 5-HT4 in the brain for the neurotransmitter serotonin according to their study.

Scientist stimulated these receptors in mice and found that it caused the mice to have a reduced drive to eat. It also boosted production of the same enzymes stimulated in response to cocaine and amphetamine use. When they blocked the receptors, the animals increased their food intake. This is exciting news because it may lead to new and more effective treatments for Anorexia.

According to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia,

Anorexia nervosa is a psychiatric diagnosis that describes an eating disorder characterized by low body weight and body image distortion with an obsessive fear of gaining weight. Individuals with anorexia often control body weight by voluntary starvation, purging, vomiting, excessive exercise, or other weight control measures, such as diet pills or diuretic drugs. It primarily affects adolescent females all over the world, however approximately 10% of all afflicted are male. Anorexia nervosa is a complex condition, involving psychological, neurobiological, and sociological components.

Anorexia Nervosa is a disease that causes harm to many of the body's organs and places particular strain on the function of the heart and cardiovascular system. Anorexia disrupts the body’s electrolyte balance. It causes phosphate, levels to be too low which has been linked to heart failure, muscle weakness, immune dysfunction, and ultimately death. If children develop anorexia before they have finished growing, their growth may be stunted and essential hormone levels, including sex hormones, may be too low.

If you are considering adopting older children you need to be aware of eating disorders. Because these children feel like they don't have any control over their lives, they may turn to controling their bodies through food.
Know the signs and seek qualified counseling if you see them.

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Related Blogs about eating disorders:

Hoarding can be a Sign of Childhood Depression
My Child Doesn't Know She is Full
Children With Obesity Risk High Blood Pressure
What Contributes to Eating Disorders?
Bulimia in Children

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