Life on a scale: Deep Brain Stimulation in anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe psychiatric disorder marked by low body weight, body image abnormalities, and anxiety and shows elevated rates of morbidity, comorbidity and mortality. Given the limited availability of evidence-based treatments, it manifests as a chronic condition in a significant
percentage of patients. Consequently, there is an urgent need to investigate new therapeutic options that are informed by the disorder’s underlying neurobiological mechanisms.
In this project, we explore the potential utility of deep brain stimulation (DBS) as a last-resort treatment for individuals suffering from AN. DBS has the advantage of being both reversible and adjustable.
Existing studies have demonstrated that DBS can mitigate maladaptive neural activity and connectivity within the targeted region, thereby facilitating the re-establishment of healthier brain network dynamics.
Furthermore, we assess the functional effects of DBS on AN through an array of methodologies, encompassing neuroimaging, electroencephalography, as well as metabolic and endocrinological evaluations. Finally, this work will situate AN within a broader theoretical framework, specifically focusing on its manifestation as a form of self-destructive behavior.