Anorexia is a complex disorder that does not have
a single cause. Research suggests that some people
have a predisposition toward anorexic and that something
then triggers the behavior, which then becomes
self-reinforcing. Hereditary, biological, psychological
and social factors all appear to play a role.
- Heredity. Twin studies show that if one twin has anorexia
nervosa, the other has a greater likelihood of
developing the disorder. Having a close relative, usually
a mother or a sister, with anorexia nervosa also
increases the likelihood of other (usually female) family
members developing the disorder. However, when
compared to many other diseases, the inherited component
of anorexia nervosa appears to be fairly small.
- Biological factors. There is some evidence that anorexia
nervosa is linked to abnormal neurotransmitter
activity in the part of the brain that controls pleasure
and appetite.
- Psychological factors. Certain personality types
appear to be more vulnerable to developing anorexia
nervosa. Anorectics tend to be perfectionists who have
unrealistic expectations about how they ‘‘should’’
look and perform. They tend to have a black-orwhite,
right-or-wrong, all-or-nothing way of seeing
situations.
- Social factors. Anorectics are more likely to come
either from overprotective families or disordered
families where there is a lot of conflict and inconsistency.
Either way, the anorectic feels a need to be in
control of something, and that something becomes
body weight.
