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Causes of Anorexia Nervosa
In This Article:
The causes of Anorexia are often a combination of more than one and often several of the following categories: Genetics, Neurobiological, Nutritional, Psychological, Social, Environmental, and Cultural.
Genetics
Studies indicate that genetic factors may influence up to fifty percent of variance for development of eating disorders including Anorexia Nervosa. Studies with experiments on mice and rodents have generally been dismissed as inaccurately testing hypotheses and cultural and social factors endemic within the disorder.
Neurobiological
Studies suggest the possibility that correlations between the neurotransmitter serotonin and various psychological functions such as: mood, sleep, anxiety, sexuality, and appetite. Anorexia can be linked to a disruption in the flow or regulation of Serotonin to specific receptors of the brain. One hypothesis holds starvation is a repsonse to the overstimulation of these receptors by reducing tryptophan and steroid levels at these pinpoint locations. The resulting effect is a lowering of serotonin at these receptors, as well.
Nutritional
The deficiency of zinc has been shown to cause a decrease in appetitie and can be referred to as a “malnutrition-induced malnutrition”. A diet deficient in zinc and reintroduced to this mineral has shown in several studies to directly increase body mass specifically in the treatment of Anorexia. Additional nutrients that display mass growth influences in treatment include tyrosine, tryptophan, and thiamine (Vitamin B1).
Psychological
The psychological factors that determine a persons susceptability or tendency of affection to Anorexia Nervosa Disorder are varied. Research shows that a person struggling with Anorexia has difficulty in the processing of perception data not experienced by those unaffected by anorexia. The acute and detailed attention upon their own shape, size, and lack of durability, attractiveness, and even self-control are viewed predominantly with negative perspective. The lack of balance between confidence and ego, critical assessment and foresight contributes to high levels of obsession about food, restraint from eating food, and almost pathological pursuit of perfection and control. Accompanying disorders commonly found amongst anorexia patients include: depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, substance abuse, and personality disorders. Chronic low self-esteem and inability to cope appropriately with certain emotional states, or mood intolerance may create a platform for anorexia to develop.
Social, Environmental, and Cultural
The promotion of thinness in Western culture and society is often deemed a major contributor to the advent and seriousness of anorexia nervosa disorder. Media including television, print, an internet have increased the exposure of the general population to supposedly idealized forms of beauty and attractiveness. The highest tendency to be influenced by anorexia are found amongst models and dancers and industries that focus upon the Western-influence image of ideal body image. Members of wealthy, white families show greater risk, as well. Studies indicate a high-rate of sexual abuse amongst those with anorexia disorder though no conlusive evidence suggests this as a pre-cursor to the disorder. Those that showed a history of such sexual abuse did display more chronic and serious anorexic symptoms.
In This Article:
- Anorexia Nervosa Disorder
- Causes of Anorexia Nervosa
- Effects of Anorexia Nervosa
- Anorexia Nervosa Signs and Symptoms
- Anorexia Nervosa Treatment
The causes of Anorexia are often a combination of more than one and often several of the following categories: Genetics, Neurobiological, Nutritional, Psychological, Social, Environmental, and Cultural.
Genetics
Studies indicate that genetic factors may influence up to fifty percent of variance for development of eating disorders including Anorexia Nervosa. Studies with experiments on mice and rodents have generally been dismissed as inaccurately testing hypotheses and cultural and social factors endemic within the disorder.
Neurobiological
Studies suggest the possibility that correlations between the neurotransmitter serotonin and various psychological functions such as: mood, sleep, anxiety, sexuality, and appetite. Anorexia can be linked to a disruption in the flow or regulation of Serotonin to specific receptors of the brain. One hypothesis holds starvation is a repsonse to the overstimulation of these receptors by reducing tryptophan and steroid levels at these pinpoint locations. The resulting effect is a lowering of serotonin at these receptors, as well.
Nutritional
The deficiency of zinc has been shown to cause a decrease in appetitie and can be referred to as a “malnutrition-induced malnutrition”. A diet deficient in zinc and reintroduced to this mineral has shown in several studies to directly increase body mass specifically in the treatment of Anorexia. Additional nutrients that display mass growth influences in treatment include tyrosine, tryptophan, and thiamine (Vitamin B1).
Psychological
The psychological factors that determine a persons susceptability or tendency of affection to Anorexia Nervosa Disorder are varied. Research shows that a person struggling with Anorexia has difficulty in the processing of perception data not experienced by those unaffected by anorexia. The acute and detailed attention upon their own shape, size, and lack of durability, attractiveness, and even self-control are viewed predominantly with negative perspective. The lack of balance between confidence and ego, critical assessment and foresight contributes to high levels of obsession about food, restraint from eating food, and almost pathological pursuit of perfection and control. Accompanying disorders commonly found amongst anorexia patients include: depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, substance abuse, and personality disorders. Chronic low self-esteem and inability to cope appropriately with certain emotional states, or mood intolerance may create a platform for anorexia to develop.
Social, Environmental, and Cultural
The promotion of thinness in Western culture and society is often deemed a major contributor to the advent and seriousness of anorexia nervosa disorder. Media including television, print, an internet have increased the exposure of the general population to supposedly idealized forms of beauty and attractiveness. The highest tendency to be influenced by anorexia are found amongst models and dancers and industries that focus upon the Western-influence image of ideal body image. Members of wealthy, white families show greater risk, as well. Studies indicate a high-rate of sexual abuse amongst those with anorexia disorder though no conlusive evidence suggests this as a pre-cursor to the disorder. Those that showed a history of such sexual abuse did display more chronic and serious anorexic symptoms.
