Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Study Links Anorexia to Brain's Opioid Reward System

6/8/2025

31 2

Summary

Story summary

A groundbreaking neuroimaging study in Molecular Psychiatry uncovers a striking connection between anorexia nervosa and heightened mu-opioid receptor availability in the brain's reward centers. This change occurs independently of glucose metabolism, hinting at a profound disruption in motivation and pleasure. These insights could pave the way for innovative treatments targeting the opioid system.

1 of 1

Story summary

A groundbreaking neuroimaging study in Molecular Psychiatry uncovers a striking connection between anorexia nervosa and heightened mu-opioid receptor availability in the brain's reward centers. This change occurs independently of glucose metabolism, hinting at a profound disruption in motivation and pleasure. These insights could pave the way for innovative treatments targeting the opioid system.