"I could go on and on about why I 'became' anorexic, but for now I’ll try to give you the simplest answer I can: Growing up my mother expected a lot from me. I was to be smart, beautiful, talented, polite, and the best at absolutely everything. I was pressured to be perfect all the time. When my mother passed away when I was fifteen, to numb out the pain I began dieting which turned into an eating disorder. Ever since puberty I thought I was fat (even though I had always been underweight), so by numbing out the pain with starvation I could kill two birds with one stone," explains Taryn in her online journal.
There is no one specific cause for the onset of Anorexia Nervosa. Anorexia is complex disorder and is thought to be caused by a complex constellation of biological, psychological, and environmental factors.
Although the exact cause of Anorexia Nervosa is unknown, there are some things that may increase the risk for developing the eating disorder. It is important to note, however, that just because a person has the predisposing factor; it does not mean that they will absolutely develop Anorexia. Rather, it increases a person's risk for developing Anorexia but does not guarantee it.
Join an online Eating Disorder Support Group for free as well as specific groups for Anorexia, Binge Eating, Bulimia, EDNOS and Exercise Addiction. Connect with others who are facing the same challenges.
Biological factors that have been identified as risk factors for causing Anorexia Nervosa include genetics and biochemistry. People who have a relative who has an eating disorder such as Anorexia Nervosa are at increased risk, up to 50% in some studies, for developing the disorder themselves. In addition, people with Anorexia Nervosa have been found to have changes in serotonin and norepinephrine which are two important neurochemicals that help regulate mood and appetite. Recent studies have also found abnormal brain circuitry in anorexics. Alterations in parts of the brain like the anterior insula which regulate bodily sensations and experiencing food as a reward have been discovered. Having another mood disorder such as anxiety, depression, or a personality disorder also increase risk for Anorexia.
Psychological factors that may contribute to causing Anorexia Nervosa include a variety of personality traits including having an obsessive personality, having low self esteem, being very perseverant, and being a perfectionist. Anorexics tend to be overly sensitive to criticism and the opinion of others and have a strong desire to please others.
In addition, stressful life events may trigger the onset of Anorexia Nervosa. Conflict, family unrest, trauma, sexual abuse, peer pressure, substance abuse in the home, developmental changes, or any type of transition may increase a person's risk for Anorexia Nervosa. In addition, being female and being a teen or young adult increases risk. Changes in weight, both up and down, intentionally and unintentionally, my predispose a person for Anorexia Nervosa, especially if others commented either positively or negatively to the change.
Finally, certain vocations increase risk for developing Anorexia Nervosa. Athletes, actors, dancers, and models are professions where an increased proportion of people suffer from Anorexia Nervosa. The Western emphasis on thinness as a standard of beauty and the reinforcement of this idea in mass media may also contribute to causing Anorexia.
This complex disease usually requires professional, personalized treatment to address both the psychological and medical issues surrouding anorexia.
Image: detail from the mural 'Anorexia Y Tabaquismo' by Jorge Figueroa Acosta
Click on a state below to find eating disorder treatment options that could be right for you.
For individuals, friends and families who are looking to connect during life's challenging times. Share personal experiences, evaluate information and get support during times of need, illness, treatment or recovery.
The information provided on EatingDisordersOnline.com is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her health professional. This information is solely for informational and educational purposes and we encourage all visitors to see a licensed physician if they believe that they have an eating disorder. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Neither the owners or employees of EatingDisordersOnline.com nor the author(s) of site content take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading this site. Always speak with your primary health care provider before engaging in any form of self treatment. Please see our Legal Statement for further information.
.tiny.jpg "tiny")
.tiny.jpg "tiny")
Eating Disorder Support Groups at SupportGroups.com provides a network for those facing life's challenges. Click on the following links to get the support you need in a confidential, caring environment.
If you or a loved one is suffering from an eating disorder and need help entering into recovery then we are here to offer help in any way we can. We have over 2,000 Treatment Facilities and Treatment Professionals listed on our Directory. You can search by Zip Code, City or State. Click here to search for a Treatment Facility that is right for you.
