A recent study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that being an early riser could heighten the risk of developing anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder characterized by low weight, restrictive eating, body image disturbance, and fear of weight gain. This groundbreaking research, led by Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), indicates a novel perspective on anorexia nervosa, traditionally considered an evening-based disorder like depression or binge eating disorder.
The study revealed a bidirectional association between the genetics of anorexia nervosa and morning chronotype – the propensity to wake up early and go to bed early. This finding contrasts with the typical pattern observed in other psychiatric disorders, which are often associated with a preference for the evening.
In addition, the research team, including lead author Hannah Wilcox and assistant investigator Hassan S Dashti, uncovered a significant connection between anorexia nervosa and insomnia. By developing a “genetic risk score” for anorexia nervosa, they established that this score correlates with a higher risk of insomnia, reinforcing previous studies that hinted at this association.
Current treatments for anorexia nervosa are limited, with relapse rates as high as 52%, and the cause of the disorder remains largely unknown. Given the high mortality rate of anorexia nervosa, the second highest among psychiatric diseases, the need for more research into prevention strategies and treatments is urgent.
While the clinical implications of these findings are yet to be fully understood, they open the door to potential circadian-based therapies. “Our results could direct future investigations into circadian-based therapies for anorexia nervosa prevention and treatment,” said Wilcox, a researcher at MGH.
