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Causes of anorexia nervosa include a number of interrelated physiological, psychological and social factors, which can increase the chances of somebody developing the disorder.
Some suggested causes of anorexia nervosa include:
Physiological / biological causes of anorexia
A genetic predisposition to developing anorexia may be partially responsible. If another family member has suffered with anorexia nervosa, the likelihood of developing it may be increased.
Research has shown that higher than normal levels of serotonin in the brain (a chemical, or neurotransmitter used by nerve cells to communicate and which controls appetite and mood), are sometimes found in people with anorexia nervosa. However, there is some debate over whether the increased levels of serotonin are a consequence of anorexia rather than a cause.
Psychological / emotional 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 away from underlying psychological problems that may be too difficult to address or control.
Social / behavioural causes of anorexia
The messages people get from society about how they should look give particular cause for concern.
Western culture (particularly the media) promotes extreme thinness as the epitome of body perfection, success and happiness. This leads 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 themselves in a negative way may lead them down the path to anorexia, as may other pressures arising from school or in the work place.