Causes of Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa is caused by a number of interrelated physiological, psychological and social factors.
Some suggested causes of bulimia nervosa include:
Physiological Causes of Bulimia Nervosa
Research suggests some people may have a genetic predisposition to developing bulimia, and therefore have an increased risk of developing the disorder.
An abnormal level of serotonin (a chemical, or neurotransmitter used by nerve cells to communicate and which controls appetite and mood) is sometimes found in the brains of people with bulimia nervosa.
Psychological Causes of Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimic behaviours can occur as a result of underlying emotional problems that are difficult to express or deal with. Bulimia provides people with an outlet for their emotional difficulties and helps them to feel in control, although in reality they are not in control at all.
Dissatisfaction with weight and body shape can lead to dieting, which can then escalate into bulimia.
Body image distortion, low self-esteem, feelings of helplessness, perfectionism, depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder are all personality traits associated with bulimia.
Behavioural Causes of Bulimia Nervosa
Western culture promotes thinness as the image of success and happiness. This pressure to be thin can encourage people to start dieting, as they believe it will give them the results they need to make them happy and successful. If dietary habits get out of control in pursuit of the perfect body, bulimia nervosa can be the result.
Dysfunctional relationships within the family, or within a marriage/partnership can be a trigger for bulimia nervosa, as can stressful life events, such as bullying.
Individuals who have been abused as a child sometimes go on to develop the disorder.