Post-Viral Onset of Anorexia Nervosa

BackgroundThe pathogenesis of anorexia nervosa (AN) is controversial.MethodA retrospective case series was studied to investigate the post-viral onset of AN.ResultsFour consecutive in-patients with severe restrictive AN spontaneously volunteered histories of ‘glandular fever’-like illnesses immediately before the onset of their eating disorder. This association has not previously been described. Possible pathogenic pathways include both non-specific and specific viral disruptions in central homeostasis, particularly involving corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) regulation.ConclusionSuch mechanisms are speculative, but biologically and historically plausible.