The Price Foundation of Switzerland is sponsoring this multi-center project. Studies of twins and other family members hint at a genetic root to the disorder. This research has shown that individuals with anorexia nervosa have more relatives with eating disorders than individuals without the disease. Moreover, identical twins, who come from the same fertilized egg and share identical genetic material, are more likely to have anorexia nervosa than fraternal twins, who come from different fertilized eggs, and therefore share less genetic material. The study involves assessments, questionnaires and a small blood draw, all of which can be done from home.
All information is confidential.
It is not necessary to travel to the UPMC to participate. For more information about psychiatry or to learn about current research studies, visit the UPMC's Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic Web site.