Toronto General Hospital to be only Canadian site in first-ever genetic study of anorex...( y. To provide this large sample the st...)

y. To provide this large sample, the study will involve 400 families in total, and the Toronto General component of the study will involve 40 families. Dr. Kaplan pointed out the success of the study depends on engaging affected relatives to participate. The criteria-two family members who both have or had anorexia nervosa-are very stringent, but he hopes that families affected by anorexia will want to be a part of this study. "Affected relatives who participate in the study have a unique opportunity to participate in groundbreaking research. Our team will focus on communicating with them each step of the way, to help families understand the importance of their contribution."

Anorexia nervosa is a serious and potentially lethal illness, and has one of the highest death rates of any psychiatric illness. The eating disorder is characterized by the relentless pursuit of thinness, emaciation, and an obsessive fear of gaining weight. It commonly begins during adolescence in girls and it runs in families. Risk of the disease has been linked to traits including perfectionism, anxiety, and obsessionality; understanding how genes contribute will provide a more comprehensive understanding of anorexia nervosa and how it should be treated.

Among the leaders of the academic centres involved in this study are Dr. Kaye and Maria LaVia, M.D., at the University of Pittsburgh; Dr. Berrettini, University of Pennsylvania; Katherine A. Halmi, M.D., Cornell University; Michael Strober PhD, UCLA; Jim Mitchell MD, University of North Dakota; Manfred M. Fichter, M.D., Roseneck Hospital affiliated with the University of Munich (Germany); and Ian Jones, M.D., Nick Craddock, M.D., and David Robertson, M.D., University of Birmingham (England).

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Contact: Kim Garwood
kim.garwood@uhn.on.ca
416-340-4800, ext. 6753
University of Toronto
6-Mar-2003

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