Although it may not have been the initial reason she became anorexic, describe two changes in the nervous system that LeeAnne might experience as a result of being anorexic.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answer will vary, sample answer:LeeAnne would likely show greater connectivity in pathways connecting the frontal lobes and striatum related to reward but reduced connectivity between the frontal lobes and the hypothalamus. Differences in the strengths of these circuits might support LeeAnne to override homeostatic signals. Another change she might experience is elevated CART levels. CART raises metabolic rates and inhibits feeding. CART might also reduce the rewarding aspects of eating through its actions in the nucleus accumbens, which participates in reward circuits implicated in addiction. CART's action in the nucleus accumbens is mediated by the activity of serotonin. Serotonin abnormalities have been implicated in both eating disorders and major depressive disorder, which might account for the higher risk for these disorders within the same families.