Volumetric alterations in the nucleus accumbens and caudate nucleus in bulimia nervosa: a structural magnetic resonance imaging study

Bulimia nervosa (BN) is an eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating and inappropriate compensatory behaviors (such as purging, fasting, or excessive exercise) to prevent weight gain. BN has been associated with deficits in inhibitory control processes. The basal ganglia specifically, the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and the caudate nucleus (CN) are part of the frontostriatal circuits involved in inhibitory control. The main goal of this study was to investigate the presence of morphological alterations in the NAc and the CN in a sample of patients diagnosed with BN.

Supported by SFRH/BPD/75014/2010 from Foundation for Science and Technology, Portugal (FCT), by SFRH/SINTD/60106/2009 from Foundation for Science and Technology, Portugal (FCT) and by Foundation for Science and Technology, Portugal (FCT/PTDC/ PSI-PCL/099981/2008).