Why Biological Treatment for Eating Disorders Matters
Recent research reveals that eating disorders can be driven by not only psychological factors, like body image disturbances and personality factors, but also by intricate biological changes, including shifts in gene expression, brain chemical, and circuit changes.
Developing a better understanding of the biological piece in the eating disorder puzzle, and how biological treatments may assist recovery alongside psychological treatments, is long overdue and essential to improving outcomes for people living with these serious mental illnesses.
Anorexia nervosa (AN) stands out not only for its alarmingly high morbidity rate and for having one of the highest mortality rates across all mental illnesses, but also for its strikingly limited treatment options compared to other psychiatric disorders. Currently, treatment for anorexia nervosa is centred around psychological based strategies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and family-based treatment (FBT).
While these play an important role in recovery, such psychotherapies are often not an effective long-term solution, and overlook the condition’s underlying biological factors.
Meet the Li family
The Li family are generous philanthropists who enabled the development of the Li Transformative Hub for Research into Eating Disorders (Li-THRED). Led by Professor Jayashri Kulkarni AM, Li-THRED was launched in 2022 and is pioneering world-first research into new biological treatments for eating disorders, aiming to dramatically improve outcomes for people with eating disorders.
About Li-THRED
I am a research assistant working in the Li-THRED unit and I work with an incredible, passionate team including consultant psychiatrist Dr Romi Goldschlager, study coordinator Dr Eva Gregertsen, medical officer Dr Rebecca Ho, mental health dietician Cindy Sotirelis and clinical trials manager Emmy Gavrilidis. We are based within HER Centre Australia, a centre directed by Professor Jayashri Kulkarni AM for health, education, and research in women’s mental health.
I derive deep fulfillment from my role, as I’ve seen firsthand how prevalent eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image disturbances are in society, and how profoundly they can impact a person’s life, well-being, and relationships. A number of my loved ones have lived with or are currently living with an eating disorder, and I feel privileged to be someone they’ve confided in about their illness.
I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of a team that offers hope to individuals and families affected by eating disorders. Since a part of my role focusses on recruitment for the studies, I often have the opportunity to share information about our trials, and I’ve seen how learning that researchers are working on potential new treatment options can bring a sense of hope.
Even if I only have a brief phone conversation with someone, I know by listening to someone’s story as they enquire about the trials can make a meaningful difference in their day.
What draws me to this space is its unique intersection of mental health, science, and medical research, allowing me to channel both my passion for advancing treatment and my compassion for those struggling with poor mental health. Being part of the Li-THRED team is an incredible opportunity to contribute to ground-breaking research that could reshape the future of treatment and support for individuals living with eating disorders.
Our Current Research
We have established a number of cutting-edge clinical trials to investigate novel treatments for people with AN. We are exploring the therapeutic efficacy and safety of a number of biological based potential treatments including hormones, repurposed medications, and dietary supplements.
- Estrogen: This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of a transdermal estrogen patch in treating AN, as estrogen has been shown to play a role in mood, cognition, bone health, and appetite regulation.
- Repurposed medications trial: This clinical trial investigates the potential of existing medications (brexpiprazole, memantine and zinc) in treating AN. These medications target brain chemicals and networks that are involved in the development and maintenance of AN.
- Dietary supplement (sodium butyrate) trial: This study investigates the use of sodium butyrate, a short chain fatty acid, to treat anorexia nervosa (AN). There is growing evidence that disruptions in gut microbiota may play a role in the development and maintenance of AN. Thus, sodium butyrate, which targets gut inflammation and impacts gene activity, appears to be a promising treatment.
A Vision for the Future
The shared vision of the Li family, Professor Jayashri Kulkarni, and our dedicated team at Li-THRED, is to offer new effective treatments for people with AN and thereby improve their lives and their loved ones.
Get Involved
We are currently in the recruitment stage of each of the trials. The trials run for 12 weeks each, in our clinic on St Kilda Road, Melbourne. The studies are open to people with anorexia nervosa, including people with atypical anorexia nervosa or people in partial remission, who are at least 16 years old and are able to visit our clinic in Melbourne. All genders are welcome; however, the estrogen trial is female only.
If you are interested, or know someone who might be, we have an expression of interest form, or we are contactable via email: thred@monash.edu or phone: (03) 9076 3245.
Written by Ella Plant, Research Assistant, The Li Transformative Hub for Research into Eating Disorders (Li-THRED)
Get support
For support with eating disorders or body dissatisfaction, connect with the Butterfly National Helpline by calling 1800 ED HOPE (1800 33 4673) or visit www.butterfly.org.au to chat online or email, 7 days a week, 8am-midnight (AEDT).
