Posted by Racer on April 20, 2007, at 2:05:33
In reply to Re: Fashions in self destruction? Or what?, posted by Declan on April 19, 2007, at 15:06:13
Well, in terms of ED, specifically Anorexia Nervosa, some research done in the past decade shows that serotonin is way out of whack -- the type 1 receptors are enormously overactive, leading to high anxiety. The theory being looked at is that self-starvation is an attempt to quieten the serotonin system, by reducing serotonin through less dietary tryptophan. Then, the receptors get even more sensitive, so you have to starve more, and it becomes a vicious circle. If that theory turns out to have anything in it, then it's an attempt to self-medicate, not self injure.
The other thing that's being looked at is the evolutionary advantage in having some portion of the population going into hyperactivity in a state of starvation -- while most of the tribe is trying to find any food at all right here, right now, someone is out there running around, where they might find food. Again, an interesting thought...
Just some other ways to look at EDs, besides self injury...
poster:Racer
thread:750853
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/eating/20061124/msgs/751504.html