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Introduction
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Introduction
Eating disorders are complex diseases
and not just a condition that can be treated with willpower. There
are many different types of eating disorders and all are detrimental
to ones health if not taken seriously. Eating disorders
arise out of the combination of genetic, sociological, and psychological
factors. The most well-known ones are listed below.
Genetic
Many researchers believe that there is an inherited predisposition
to having an eating disorder. Studies have shown that the co-occurrence
of eating disorders among identical twins is greater than the
co-occurrence among fraternal twins. Since identical twins are
genetically more similar than fraternal twins, this would support
an inherited component. Other research on the genetic component
of eating disorders has focused on neurochemistry. Researchers
have found that the neurotransmitters serotonin and neuroepinephrine
are significantly decreased in acutely ill patients suffering
from Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa. These neurotransmitters also
function abnormally in individuals afflicted with depression.
This leads some researchers to believe there may a link between
these two disorders. Besides creating a sense of physical and
emotional satisfaction, the neurotransmitter serotonin also produces
the effect of feeling full and having had enough food.
Other brain chemicals have also been explored for their possible
role in eating disorders. Individuals with eating disorders have
been shown to have a higher than normal level of the hormones
vasopressin and cortisol. Both these hormones are normally released
in response to physical and possible emotional stress, and may
contribute to some of the dysfunction seen in eating disordered
individuals. Other research has found high levels of the neuropeptide-Y
and peptide-YY to be elevated in individuals suffering from Anorexia
and Bulimia. These chemicals have been shown to stimulate eating
behavior in laboratory animals. The hormone cholecystokinin (CCK)
has been found to be low in women with Bulimia and has caused
laboratory animals to feel full and stop eating.
Sociological
Environmental conditions reinforce the practice of an eating disorder.
We live in a society that reinforces the idea to be happy and
successful we must be thin. Today, you cannot read a magazine
or newspaper, turn on the television, listen to the radio, or
shop at the mall without being assaulted with the message that
fat is bad. During adolescence, a particularly vulnerable time
to the development of an eating disorder, the influence of peers
becomes important. Self monitoring and comparing ourselves to
others becomes central to our psyche. Peer teasing and pressures
to conform to the norm are common in the background of eating
disorder individuals. As our bodies developed and changed, how
others and we reacted to these changes influenced our eventual
body acceptance. Other societal issues include dysfunctional families,
sexual abuse, physical abuse, domineering coaches and controlling
relationships.
Psychological
The practice of an eating disorder can be viewed as a survival
mechanism. Just as an alcoholic uses alcohol to cope, a person
with an eating disorder can use eating, purging or restricting
to deal with feelings and emotions that may otherwise seem overwhelming.
Through the practice of the eating disorder, the individual may
feel a sense of partial control over their seemingly uncontrollable
life. Some of the underlying issues that are associated with an
eating disorder include low self-esteem, depression, feelings
of loss of control, feelings of worthless, identity concerns,
family communication problems and an inability to cope with emotions.
The practice of an eating disorder may be an expression of something
that the eating disordered individual has found no other way of
expressing.
Through the interaction of the various components an eating disorder
can be developed.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.
ANOREXIA NERVOSA
Anorexia Nervosa is a disorder that is distinguished by the restriction of food and the refusal to maintain a minimal normal body weight. Most Anorexics lose weight by decreasing their food intake. Anorexics may start by limiting or excluding foods that they perceive as having high fat or caloric content. If Anorexia Nervosa is left untreated, it can be fatal.
BULIMIA NERVOSA
Bulimia Nervosa is a disorder that is distinguished by
binge eating and counter-balancing behaviors in order to prevent weight
gain.
Resources:
http://www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org
http://familydoctor.org/277.xml
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/eatingdisorders.cfm
http://www.onlyeatingdisorders.com
http://www.girlpower.gov/girlarea/bodywise/eatingdisorders/index.htm
http://www.troubledwith.com/parentingteens/EatingDisorders.cfm
Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.