Anorexia Nervosa

Genetic tendency towards perfectionism

Sensitivity to food items and activities

Perseverance

Heredity

This eating disorder is in significantly higher frequency among individuals that are biologically related to anorexic patients. In the genetic level, there is evidence that it occurs at a rate of 50% between identical twins, and 10% in fraternal twins or twin sisters (Wozniak, 2012).

Independence

Teens with this disorder usually lack the opportunities to perform certain activities on their own, which then produces the need for independence.

Social Activity

Communication with friends and family serve as a mold for a person's behaviors, causing constant concern with food and body weight.

Family History

Depression

Alcoholism

Eating Disorders

Modern Western Culture

Success and worth = being thin

Peer pressure among young boys and girls, with a higher percentage of girls, usually ages 12-25.

Anemia

Heart problems

Osteoporosis

Absence of period in women

Decreased testosterone in males

Gastrointestinal problems (constipation, bloating, and nausea.

Electrolyte abnormalities (low potassium, sodium, and chloride)

Kidney Problems

Genetics

Changes in specific genes

Those with first-degree relative, sibling, or child who had the disorder.

Dieting and Starvation

Symptoms of of anorexia are symptoms of starvation.

Starvation affects the brain = changes in mood, thinking, anxiety, and reduction in appetite.

Starvation and weight loss may change the way the brain works in vulnerable individuals, which may perpetuate restrictive eating behaviors and make it more difficult to return to normal eating behaviors (Mayo Clinic, 1998-2019).

Transitions

A new school, home, job, a breakup, or the death and illness of a loved one, or even change itself can cause emotional stress and increases the risk of anorexia. Stress is also a trigger for those who are already suffering from an eating disorder.