Biomarkers and Endophenotypes in Eating Disorders

The aim of this chapter is to discuss the concept of endophenotypes within the eating disorder (ED) population. As is common in most forms of psychiatric illness, people with ED have additional psychological problems, as do their family members. Affective disorders, addictions, and autistic spectrum disorders commonly occur in association with the individual and/or in the families of those with ED. This chapter will explore the literature related to underlying biological markers that potentially underpin all of these disorders. Some of the biomarkers fulfi l the criteria for an endophenotype, although this is an area that is poorly developed so far in the eating disorder fi eld. It is possible that core inherited vulnerability traits such as anxiety, rigidity, weak coherence, poor social cognition, compulsivity and impulsivity are some of the features held in common with other disorders.