Psychopathological traits and 5-HT2A receptor promoter polymorphism (−1438 G/A) in patients suffering from Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa

Abstract Various studies have evaluated the possible role of the −1438 G/A polymorphism within the 5-HT 2A receptor gene in the susceptibility to Eating Disorders (EDs). One hundred and forty-eight ED patients (EDp) and 89 control subjects were interviewed by means of the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) and analyzed for distribution of the −1438 G/A polymorphism. Patients with the AA genotype suffering from Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa showed higher Weight and Shape Concern ( P =0.003 and P =0.010, respectively) scores and greater overall severity of the ED psychopathology (EDE total score) ( P =0.012). The obtained preliminary data suggest the use of dimensional psychopathological measures in ED genetic studies.