The sample for this study included individuals with AN and their parents as well as a sample of control women. Probands were required to meet the following criteria: (1) modified DSM-IV lifetime diagnosis of AN, with or without amenorrhea; (2) low weight that is/was less than 5th percentile of BMI for age and gender according to the Hebebrand et al. [1996] NHANES chart; (3) onset prior to age 25; (4) weight that is/was controlled through restricting and/or purging; (5) between the ages of 13 and 65; and (6) study diagnostic criteria were met at least 3 years prior to entry into the study. Potential affected participants were excluded if they reported maximum BMI since puberty >27 kg/m2 for females and >27.8 kg/m2 for males to limit any potential genetic signals from obesity. Parents were encouraged to participate regardless of age, weight, or psychiatric diagnosis.
