Causes of Anorexia Nervosa
A number of interrelated physiological, psychological and behavioural factors are thought to be responsible for causing anorexia nervosa.
Some suggested causes of anorexia nervosa include:
Physiological Causes of Anorexia
A genetic predisposition may be partially responsible for the development of anorexia. If a family member has suffered with anorexia nervosa, the likelihood of developing the disorder may be increased.
Research has shown that a higher than normal level of serotonin in the brain (a neurotransmitter used by nerve cells to communicate and which controls appetite and mood), is sometimes found in people with anorexia nervosa. However, there is some debate over whether the increased level of serotonin is a consequence of anorexia rather than a cause.
Psychological Causes of Anorexia
Anorexia nervosa is associated with certain personality traits such as perfectionism, obsessiveness and withdrawal, as well as other psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Of particular significance to anorexia is low self-esteem along with a negative, distorted body image.
Focusing on food and weight loss provides a diversion from underlying psychological problems that may be too difficult to address or control.
Behavioural Causes of Anorexia
The messages people get from society about how they should look are concerning.
Western culture (particularly the media) promotes extreme thinness as the epitome of body perfection, success and happiness. This leads many people to become dissatisfied with their own bodies, their self-esteem suffers and they turn to dieting as they feel the pressure to be thin. Anorexia nervosa can develop from the desperation to live up to unrealistic cultural expectations.
Difficult, strained relationships within the family that makes a person view him or herself in a negative way may result in anorexia, as can other pressures arising from school or the work place.