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Causes of bulimia 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 bulimia nervosa include:
Physiological / biological causes of bulimia nervosa
Research has led to the suggestion that some people may have a genetic predisposition to developing bulimia, and therefore the risk they will develop the disease is increased.
Abnormal 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 bulimia nervosa.
Psychological / emotional 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 the individual 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 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.
Social / 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 ensue.
Dysfunctional relationships within the family or a marriage/partnership can be a trigger for bulimia nervosa, as can stressful life events, such as bullying.
Individual's who have been abused as a child sometimes go on to develop the disorder.