Animal models of eating disorders, substance use disorders, and addictions

Abstract

Laboratory animal models are valuable in that they allow researchers to better understand the various biological and behavioral factors that may contribute to eating disorders and substance use disorders, as well as an opportunity to discover effective treatments for each. This chapter describes how animal models have been used to study features of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder, with a particular focus on the variables associated with the development of such behavior in animals. The second half of this chapter focuses on the various animal models that have been used to explore key characteristics of addiction. This chapter concludes with a brief discussion of the overlaps that exist between the two types of disorders and suggestions for future research directions.