RESEARCH into the causes of eating disorders such as anorexia is being pioneered in Scotland.
Doctors at the Huntercombe Hospital in West Lothian , have devised a series of tests which they believe could revolutionise the diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders.
They have uncovered evidence of subtle abnormalities in brain function whi
ch become apparent before anorexia develops. These affect how patients perform in mental tests.
The researchers hope the tests – known as the Ravello profile – will lead to greater understanding of what makes some people more prone to eating disorders, and help speed up diagnosis.
It could also help to develop new psychological treatments.
More than 40 children and young people have used the tests and are starting treatment based on the results.
Professor Bryan Lask, a leading expert in eating disorders and medical adviser to the Huntercombe Hospital, said patients with anorexia struggled with cognitive flexibility skills.
This meant they were unable to screen out unwanted information or intrusive thoughts when placed in a particular situation.
Prof Lask said: "We believe we have found one of the most important underlying factors that contribute to anorexia.
"The causes are multiple but we think we have clear evidence that these cognitive problems are a critical factor.
"We know that society and genes are also contributing factors to anorexia, but they are harder to change."
The patients in West Lothian are starting treatment with a new psychological method called cognitive remediation. Prof Lask said this involved teaching them to alter their thinking processes to help tackle their eating disorder.
Susan Ringwood, chief executive of the eating disorders charity B-eat, said: "We are learning more about what the underlying causes of eating disorders may be and what particularly helps patients is knowing it is not just their fault."
CARE SYSTEM CRITICISEDLINDSAY Weddell weighed just 6st when she died after a long battle with anorexia.
The 20-year-old died from an infection at St John's Hospital in Livingston in September 2004.
She had been shunted between nine different treatment centres in Scotland and as far away as the south-east of England in the six years she suffered the condition.
Ms Weddell's problems began at the age of 14 when she was treated for obsessive compulsive disorder. She went on to develop severe anorexia.
In 2006, the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman concluded that Ms Weddell, from Currie, Edinburgh, had been failed by the system during her care.
The report criticised the lack of care available to anorexia sufferers after they reach adulthood.
The full article contains 426 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
