Hypothalamic dysfunction and symptoms of anorexia nervosa.

It is clinically well recognized that certain symptoms in anorexia nervosa such as motor hyperactivity, alert and animated mental disposition, and insufficient awareness of bodily changes are inconsistent with profound emaciation. This article discusses the metabolic, endocrine-hypothalamic, and neurotransmitter changes that occur in anorexia nervosa and explores the relationship of these changes to the development and maintenance of these symptoms.