There are no simple answers to the causes of anorexia and other eating disorders. Anorexia is a complex condition that arises from a combination of many social, emotional and biological factors. Although our culture's idealization of thinness plays a huge role, there are many other contributing factors, including your family environment, emotional difficulties, low self-esteem, and past traumatic experiences.
Psychological causes and risk factors for anorexia.
People with anorexia are often perfectionists. They are good daughters and sons who do what they are told, excel in everything they do, and focus on pleasing others. But while it may seem like they are perfect, on the inside they feel helpless, inadequate, and worthless. If they don't feel like they are perfect, they consider themselves a total failure.
Family and social pressures.
In addition to cultural pressure to be thin, there are other family and social pressures that can contribute to anorexia. This includes participation in an activity that requires leanness, such as ballet, gymnastics or modeling.
It also includes having parents who are overly controlling or who put too much emphasis on appearance, diet, or criticize their children's bodies and appearance.
Stressful life events such as the onset of puberty, a breakup, or returning to school They can also trigger anorexia.
Biological causes of anorexia.
The study suggests that There is a genetic predisposition to suffer from anorexia. If a girl has a brother with anorexia, she is 10 to 20 times more likely than the general population to develop anorexia herself.
brain chemistry also plays an important role. People with anorexia tend to have high levels of cortisol, the brain hormone most related to stress, and decreased levels of serotonin and norepinephrine, which are associated with feelings of well-being.
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The main risk factors for anorexia nervosa
Body dissatisfaction
Strict diet
Low self-esteem
Difficulty expressing feelings
Perfectionism
problematic family relationships
History of physical or sexual abuse
Family history of eating disorders
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