Jarry J L, Vaccarino F J
Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
J Psychiatry Neurosci. 1996 Jan;21(1):36-48.
This paper explores a possible connection between neurochemistry and cognitions in eating disorders (ED). Cognitions play an important role in ED. However, a possible neurochemical origin of these cognitions has not been explored. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is known as a disorder of thinking. Extensive neurochemical research conducted on this disorder indicates a connection between serotonin (5-HT) dysregulation and cognitions in OCD. This study used research done on OCD as a template to interpret the available research findings in ED and their possible meaning in terms of neurochemical origin of cognitions in ED. This paper suggests that the neurochemical and behavioral expression of both ED and OCD occur on a continuum. At one end of the continuum, ED and OCD are expressed through constrained behaviors of an avoidant quality. This pole is also characterized by high levels of serotonin markers. At the other end, both disorders are characterized by disinhibited approach behavior. This end of the continuum is characterized by low levels of 5-HT markers. It is suggested that these levels of 5-HT generate cognitions that may in turn promote specific behaviors.
本文探讨了饮食失调（ED）中神经化学与认知之间的一种可能联系。认知在饮食失调中起着重要作用。然而，这些认知可能的神经化学起源尚未得到探索。强迫症（OCD）是一种思维障碍。针对这种疾病进行的广泛神经化学研究表明，血清素（5-HT）失调与强迫症中的认知之间存在联系。本研究以对强迫症的研究为模板，来解读饮食失调方面的现有研究结果及其在饮食失调认知的神经化学起源方面可能的意义。本文表明，饮食失调和强迫症的神经化学及行为表现都处于一个连续体上。在连续体的一端，饮食失调和强迫症通过具有回避性质的受限行为表现出来。这一极的特征还包括血清素标志物水平较高。在另一端，这两种疾病的特征都是行为失抑制的趋近行为。连续体的这一端的特征是5-HT标志物水平较低。有人认为，这些5-HT水平会产生认知，进而可能促进特定行为。
