Medical consensus identifies biomarkers to transform anorexia nervosa diagnosis
An international expert panel has catalogued dozens of measurable biological markers—from genetic signatures to brain imaging patterns—that could enable clinicians to diagnose and treat anorexia nervosa more precisely. The findings could reshape how healthcare systems screen for the disorder and personalize treatment, though experts warn most markers still need validation before entering clinical practice.
Originaltitel: World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) consensus statement on candidate biomarkers for anorexia nervosa
OBJECTIVES: This World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) consensus paper aims to summarise and evaluate the published study results on objectively measurable biological markers associated with anorexia nervosa (AN). METHODS: The relevant literature was reviewed by the WFSBP Task Forces on Eating Disorders and on Biological Markers, and a consensus regarding the significance of the published evidence was reached. RESULTS: Candidate biological markers that have been associated with AN include clinical (e.g. body weight), molecular (e.g. genetic, epigenetic, hormonal, immunological, metabolomic), cellular (e.g. leukocytes), neuroimaging (e.g. structure, function, connectivity), digital, cardiac and neurophysiological parameters. Some clinical and laboratory parameters are risk markers in clinical practice. Biological markers have pathophysiological relevance in understanding the biological and metabolic pathophysiology of AN and its physical health consequences. Few studies have examined pharmacogenetics or therapeutic drug monitoring as tools to monitor and guide the treatment of AN. CONCLUSIONS: Biological markers will hopefully soon enable clinicians to intervene earlier in a more targeted manner to mitigate treatment resistance. However, the current scientific basis for most biological markers are group comparisons only. Studies on sensitivity, specificity and the prognostic value of these markers are lacking.