Serotonin Dysregulation and Psychopathology in Anorexia Nervosa and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Abstract

It has been hypothesized that anorexia nervosa is a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Serotonin dysregulation may be the common mediator. This review evaluates the relevant literature, including psychopathology common to eating disorders and OCD; effects of anti-obsessive drugs in patients with eating disorders; serotonin's role in eating behavior, impulse control, and anxiety; and effects of serotoninergic drugs in eating disorders and in OCD. The implications of these findings for a common etiology of anorexia nervosa and obsessive-compulsive disorder and for further neurobiological research with patients with eating disorders will also be discussed.