According to a recent study, there is more to this disease than simply a fear of gaining weight. When tested for genetic similarities, it was found out that those with genetic inheritance have more possibility of susceptibility towards genes complexity. It was found out that this complex disorder involves a number of genes, with each one being involved in inducing this disease, however in small amounts. Those with genetic expression held more inclination towards nervosa.

Via: http://www.apa.org/monitor/mar02/genetic.aspx

This newly found area of discussion is something which was never given so much importance in earlier case studies of this kind. Today, it is being carried out to find the utility and positive implications of physical activity monitoring instruments in patients suffering from this disease. For understanding the result a suit made of lycra with sensors attached is worn by the patients. This includes breath sampling for studying total energy expenditure by a patient of anorexia. This 4 hour study is an attempt to find out how this habit of deliberate vomiting after eating can be curbed.

The CREDO-1 at Oxford is rather busy these days in finding the causative factor for anorexia. It includes a deep study on the nature and treatment of eating disorders. It includes the study on cognitive behavior therapy and interpersonal therapy. As these two have been found to have profound effect on the behavior of an anorexia nervosa patient; it is thought that it will be an future eye opener.

Via: http://www.psychiatry.ox.ac.uk/research/researchunits/credo/current-research

In a study which runs around those diseases related with digestion, the causative factor leading to this disease is being found out. Mayo clinic in collaboration with biomedical imaging and nuclear medicine uses a radioactive substance to find out what causes anorexia. The radioactive substance when injected in the patient gets concentrated in the lining of the stomach. With the help of external camera, radioactive signals are taken which reconstruct the stomach during fasting, after feeding and after medication. This method gives a picture of how an anorexia patient reacts to food.

Via: http://discoverysedge.mayo.edu/digestive_disease/index.cfm/

This family based approach is one of the latest researches in the field of anorexia nervosa. It is found to be especially successful in case of teenagers who are more prone to this disease (mostly beginning as a fad for being smartly lean). The maudsley treatment approach places emphasis on treating the patient with homely love and care. It has been found out that out patient family therapy under medical guidance is more fruitful in treating this disease rather than an in patient treatment. Strong emotional ties and confidence of family members have been found to be a better medicines than all other medication.

Via: http://www.feast-ed.org/TheFacts/MaudsleyApproach.aspx