Biomarkers could spell end of anorexia nervosa, Swinburne researchers say

Siena Armati spent much of her teenage years starving. She shares her story amid a breakthrough in anorexia research.

Exclusive: Siena Armati spent much of her teenage life in emergency departments, starving, on feeding tubes and lying to the people she cared about most.

Between the ages of 15 and 18, she was admitted to hospital four times while dangerously underweight and with her heart barely beating.

She was fed through a tube, confined to a bed or wheelchair and each time she regained enough weight to be discharged, it never lasted.

The vicious cycle of anorexia nervosa had consumed her body, destroyed her self worth and mental wellbeing.

“I became sick quite quickly and my family was unaware of what an eating disorder was and so was I,” the now 24-year-old, from Hunters Hill in Sydney, said.

“When I was admitted to hospital, it was quite a big shock to everyone.”

Siena Armati was saved after attending an eating disorder clinic. Picture: David Swift

An eating disorder clinic in California eventually saved her.

But now, in a breakthrough which could save many more of the one million Australians affected by an eating disorder, researchers have discovered what they think is the first biomarker for anorexia nervosa – a combination of twitching eye movement and anxiety.

“With more research, we’re hoping that we’ll be able to use this biomarker as a screening tool to identify people who may be at risk of developing anorexia nervosa,” the head of the Swinburne Anorexia Nervosa Research Group, Dr Andrea Phillipou said.

“It could stop someone developing the condition in the first place. It’s a discovery that has the power to rewrite someone’s life story.”

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Dr Phillipou said the biomarkers could give a view of a person’s brain activity — what is working and what is not, including the areas to target non-invasively to potentially stave off a disorder.

“Eye movements use very specific brain regions, so when we see these types of atypical eye movements, we have a pretty good idea about which brain areas are not working the way they should,” she said.

Dr Sarah Squire from the Butterfly Foundation.

Manager of knowledge, research and policy at Butterfly Foundation Dr Sarah Squire said the new development could have “promising implications”.

“Knowing if someone is predisposed to developing anorexia could have an incredibly positive outcome on early identification, and a marked difference on the illness’ severity and duration,” she said.

“This could also allow practitioners to identify and screen at-risk individuals to ensure they are adequately supported to prevent the illness developing in the first place.”

Ms Armati, who herself suffered an eating disorder, said any research that could assist in saving someone from what she went through was “not only beneficial, but a necessity”.

“As a lived experience, I wish there had been more research … anything that could have hindered the pain, conflict and lost years that my family and I endured,” she said.

“To others who are suffering, you are worth it, even if the voice in your head tells you otherwise.”

Butterfly Foundation: 1800 33 4673