When working with families and individuals who are seeking treatment for an eating disorder, I try to dispel any blame that any of them may be feeling. Of course, no one can control another person's feelings, but parents, for the most part will feel responsible for their child's eating disorder in some way.
A person who is suffering from an eating disorder also usually believes that it's their own fault, for any number of reasons. But believe me, NO ONE, if they knew the pain and torture of an eating disorder would choose to take that route.
So who IS to blame?
Yes, we are all products of our environment, but that doesn't mean that parents are to blame if their child develops an eating disorder.
There are numerous situations that can play into the development of an eating disorder, and I don't believe that there is ever a clear indication of the exact cause.
Research is now proving that there may be a genetic component related to eating disorders.
Our culture, the media, and social pressures can have an influence.
Personality traits, such as anxiety, perfectionism, obsessionality, a need for order, can also play a part.
Medical conditions that may lead to weight loss are sometimes seen as a distinct precursor to the eating disorder.
Physical or sexual abuse, current or past, often play a part in the development of an eating disorder.
DIETING is the #1 risk factor for the development of an eating disorder, so finding the 'trigger' for dieting may offer answers.
What I tell patients, parents and families is that blame will not help anyone recover. But taking the situation from this moment on, getting good professional treatment, and keeping an open mind as to how everyone can support the person in treatment CAN be very helpful for full recovery.
RIGHT HERE: RIGHT NOW!!
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