Anorexia Nervosa What Causes it, The Risk Factors, and How to Prevent it
Anorexia Nervosa (AN), known more simply as Anorexia, is an eating disorder characterized by constant and obsessive monitoring of food and weight with an especially strong fear of weight gain.
The causes of anorexia are not well understood, though a variety of influences are thought to contribute to its development and the expression of symptoms in individuals. Cultural components, especially the media, peers, and parental influences, are thought to play a significant part in anorexia development. These factors are particularly prevalent in cultures that place considerable importance upon body image, chiefly a specific body type. Many studies also point to biological causes such as genetic predispositions, personality traits, biochemical factors relating to the nervous and endocrine systems, or even complications during pregnancy. There is some evidence that individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder may be predisposed to developing anorexia. This is due to the similarities that anorexia and other eating disorders share with other psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders. This makes diagnosing and treating eating disorders particularly difficult.
Prevention of anorexia is currently not possible because its exact causes remain unknown. The best prevention methods are to promote healthy eating habits and body image values, particularly among adolescents, a high-risk group, and those persons who are beginning to show early or related symptoms. By acknowledging and quickly diagnosing symptoms of anorexia with the help of a medical professional, individuals can begin recovery and management more swiftly, leading to higher success rates of overcoming the disorder.
