The Relationship between Exercise and Athletes to the Pathogenesis and Recovery from Anorexia Nervosa

Through two differing yet conjunctive perspectives, physical activity may be a factor amongst others that causes Anorexia Nervosa (AN), or a coping mechanism employed by AN patients to deal with the immense emotional and physical stress they experience. The brain's responses to exercise illustrate that both the putamen and the prefrontal cortex play an imperative role in the way human beings process and behaviorally respond to physical activity. In another case, the brain may turn to emotion suppression as a strategy to stave off or deal with the cognitive dissonance it experiences when using exercise as a coping outlet. This paper analyzes both perspectives through a neuroscience standpoint and is based largely on case studies and testimonials regarding the nature, progression, and recovery from AN in athletes and others in the physically active population.