American Journal for Young Scientists ยท ISSN 3068-9015
The Neurobiology of Anorexia Nervosa: Structural, Functional, and Clinical Perspective
Authors: Medha Srungarapu
Published: June 25, 2025
Category: Biology
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe psychiatric disorder characterized by self-starvation, impaired body perception, and intense fear of weight gain. It stands as the mental illness with the highest mortality rate. This literature review combines findings from three primary sources and additional peer-reviewed research to examine the etiology, neurobiological correlations, treatment limitations, and overall stigma surrounding anorexia. There is increasing evidence suggesting AN as a complex biopsychosocial disorder that stems from genetic susceptibility, neurochemical disturbances (notably reward and habit system dysfunction). Those with AN also tend to desire perfectionism, with environmental factors like trauma and culture heavily influencing the outcome of the disorder. Neuroimaging studies show structural and functional brain abnormalities that are partly reversible with clinical improvement. Still, despite decades of clinical research, treatment outcomes remain modest, with high relapse rates and limited efficacy from gold-standard therapies such as family-based treatment and cognitive-behavioral therapy. The review also points to the role of stigma in avoiding treatment and prolonging suffering. It calls for urgent innovation in neuroscience-informed therapies, public health interventions, and personalized treatment strategies. Through critical synthesis of existing literature, this review aims to expose the current problems of anorexia and explore the need for more effective, interdisciplinary solutions.