Many factors contribute to the development of anorexia nervosis. Psychological, environmental, and social factors may cause anorexia. The following are examples of the factors that can contribute to the development of anorexia nervosa: Trauma, changes in one’s life, and pressure to be thin. Identify the factors that contribute to the development of anorexia nervosa and consider them when designing a treatment plan.
Psychological, environmental, and social factors may contribute to the development of anorexia nervosa
There are several psychological, cultural, and environmental factors that may contribute to the development of anorexia nervosa. One of these factors is the image of thinness that we have in society. Popular culture connects thinness with success, beauty, and happiness. Peer pressure is another significant factor. Children and adolescents can be particularly vulnerable to bullies and teasing. Relationships can also contribute to low self-esteem.
Many people affected by this disorder report a lack of social support and isolation. This is consistent with other psychological and environmental factors that may contribute to the development of the disorder. The severity of anorexia is based on the body mass index, dietary history, elimination habits, and menstrual status. The DSM-5 guidelines are useful for healthcare providers when diagnosing anorexia.
Trauma
In addition to the genetic factor, trauma can also contribute to the development of eating disorders. These disorders can result from childhood trauma, which disrupts the person’s nervous system and makes it difficult to regulate emotions. These negative behaviors, such as binge eating, can also develop into coping mechanisms, keeping the person from processing the difficult emotions and memories caused by the trauma. In this article, we will discuss how trauma can lead to eating disorders, including anorexia.
Many people with eating disorders also have PTSD. People who have experienced trauma often have distorted body images. They may blame their appearance for their suffering, and use food as a way to modify their shape and feel better about themselves. Consequently, they risk experiencing more trauma and PTSD in the future. Trauma and eating disorders are linked to emotional dysregulation, which can make individuals more prone to anxiety disorders.
Changes in life
Anorexia nervosa is often diagnosed when a person is underweight or obese and cannot maintain a healthy weight. Individuals with this disorder may have a poor self-image, as they often perceive their bodies as unattractive and disproportionate. To overcome this, healthcare professionals develop a comprehensive treatment plan that involves therapy and a team of specialists. During this treatment, a person may experience fluctuating or non-responsive behavior. Relapses can occur during the first two years of therapy.
Genetics play a major role in anorexia nervosa. Various studies have shown a genetic link between anorexia and depression. Some individuals are more susceptible to anorexia than others, and a genetic link from either parent may play a role. Environmental circumstances, genetics, and negative body image may also be factors. The main reason a person develops anorexia is unclear, but genetics are a factor.
Body image pressure
Research has shown that anorexics have distorted images of themselves, causing them to drastically reduce their calorie intake. They practice extreme diets, often excluding entire food groups, to achieve the weight loss they desire. While the diets cause severe malnutrition, the excessive restriction on food intake can affect appetite-regulating hormones and cause reproductive and mental problems.
Anorexia nervosa is a mental illness caused by the way people view their bodies. Popular culture often connects thinness with beauty, happiness, and success. Teenagers who have a high-profile job or are in sports tend to feel this pressure more intensely than others. Similarly, teasing or bullying by peers can lower self-esteem.
While some eating disorders are characterized by excessive calorie intake and a reduced ability to maintain a healthy body weight, body image pressure is an important factor in the development of anorexia nervosan behavior. People with this disorder often exercise compulsively and purge food through vomiting. Anorexia nervosa can lead to life-threatening complications and even death if left untreated.