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. 2021 Oct 29:12:756669.
doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.756669. eCollection 2021.

A Perspective on Chronic and Long-Lasting Anorexia Nervosa

Maurizio Speciani  1 , Yoram Barak  2 , Hanafi Damanhuri  3 , Diana De Ronchi  1 , Fabio Panariello  1 , Anna Rita Atti  1
Affiliations

A Perspective on Chronic and Long-Lasting Anorexia Nervosa

Maurizio Speciani et al. Front Psychiatry. .

Abstract

Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is a severe eating disorder which typically develops in younger females. Many studies focus on this specific population, a majority of which will eventually partially or fully recover. A minority will become chronic despite extensive treatment. These patients are treatment-resistant and may not necessarily benefit from usual treatment. In this article we will reflect on possible mechanisms which may explain the maintenance of disease, and especially on the possible role of affective and anxiety disturbances. We will use, due to the lack of large-scale studies, data from risk and prognostic factors, treatment options and neurobiological correlates in chronic AN patients. Lastly, we will propose how these elements may advise further research and treatments.

Keywords: affective and anxiety; anorexia nervosa; long-lasting anorexia nervosa; older-age; role of emotions; severe and enduring anorexia nervosa.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

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