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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by clarrissa forester on August 22, 2000, at 13:37:48
I have recently come across research to suggest that cortisol levels are higher than normal in people suffering depression, anxiety, and in response to stress. Therefore I wondered whether cortisol levels were also raised among those people suffering from eating disorders due to the assumption that eating disorders may develop as a way of "handling stress", rather than being caused by environmental factors (such as social pressure). I would be most grateful for any information regarding this issue. Thank you.
Posted by Racer on August 26, 2000, at 15:57:36
In reply to cortisol eating disorders?, posted by clarrissa forester on August 22, 2000, at 13:37:48
I don't know anything for sure, but I can tell you some old news and some similar things:
When in college, back when the earth was new, I did a project on anorexia. At that time, the newest thing was that anorexia seemed to be correlated to an increase in synaptic activity in the hypothalamus using dopamine as a neurotransmitter. This is more like what happens in amphetamine abuse than what happens in starvation.
Also, my horse has Cushings Syndrome, which leads to an increase in cortisol production. She has always been a slow and fussy eater, but now she's both slower and more demanding. She also has a lot of trouble holding her weight now, which was never a problem before. Her personality is changed, but she's mostly being OK now. If anything, she may even be easier to get along with now, though it's hard to tell why. (Maybe it's because she's finally exhausted all the alternative? Maybe she's come to trust me to shield her from danger -- finally! Maybe she doesn't have the strength to overreact anymore. Maybe she's afraid I'll leave her to her own devices if she keeps behaving like an idiot. Maybe she's too blind to react? Who knows. All I can tell you is that she's less apt to turn herself inside out over the slightest thing.)
The cortisol has been a mixed blessing, though, since it's relieved her arthritis. It's also got her drinking more, putting more pressure on the kidneys.
As for eating disorders per se, I'd say that hormones and neurotransmitters have to be involved somehow. My experience was that I got a kind of a high, and a distinct relief from depression while I was actively anorectic. I couldn't think very strenuously, but at least I wasn't crying all the time.
So, no answer, but a lot of babbling... Hope you got something out of it!
Posted by Jennifer on August 31, 2000, at 4:20:13
In reply to cortisol eating disorders?, posted by clarrissa forester on August 22, 2000, at 13:37:48
I'm not sure on eating disorders, but it is higher if you are overweight/obese. Since you didn't specify your current status, I thought I would throw that one in. Jennifer
> I have recently come across research to suggest that cortisol levels are higher than normal in people suffering depression, anxiety, and in response to stress. Therefore I wondered whether cortisol levels were also raised among those people suffering from eating disorders due to the assumption that eating disorders may develop as a way of "handling stress", rather than being caused by environmental factors (such as social pressure). I would be most grateful for any information regarding this issue. Thank you.
Posted by julesvox on September 2, 2000, at 1:50:45
In reply to Re: cortisol eating disorders?, posted by Jennifer on August 31, 2000, at 4:20:13
> I'm not sure on eating disorders, but it is higher if you are overweight/obese. Since you didn't specify your current status, I thought I would throw that one in. Jennifer
the book i'm reading (the diet cure by julia ross) says elevated cortisol levels happen w/anorexia and bulimia. she says 'typically, if you are anorectic, your adrenals are hyperactive and you have high cortisol levels. you must bring down the levels of this harsh adrenal hormone that is breaking down your muscles, bones, and brain cells during the emergency of your starvaton in a desperate effort to keep you nourished. otherwise it can continue to do its destructive work even after you begin to recover.' she recommends supplements (incl. zinc, b-complex, and c) for anorexia & bulimia recovery.
the language is a little alarmist, but something to think about. like you, racer, when i starve myself i tend to feel 'better.' i add the scare quotes because it's a tenuous improvement.
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