Anorexia Causes

Anorexia causes have been studied intensely over the last few decades as researchers scramble to find effective anorexia treatment. Still, no one knows the exact causes of anorexia nervosas. We only know that anorexia is caused by a number of psychological, social and biological factors.

The biological anorexia causes are the least substantiated. Research shows that higher levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin make an individual have less desire for food and withdraw socially; however, increased serotonin levels may not be a cause of anorexia but a result of the disease of the brain. Some researchers believe that anorexia causes may include a genetic predisposition to the disorder. Many individuals suffering from anorexia nervosa have family members also battling the disease.

Social anorexia causes can be tracked over time and seem to be a cause for the increase in anorexia nervosa in younger girls. The environment a girl or young woman is placed in can affect her propensity toward developing the disease. Some professions that emphasize the need to be thin reinforce a girls' likelihood to become anorexic. Occupations such as models, actresses, dancers, or gymnasts emphasize low body weight. The difficulty with an anorexic is that they don't know when to stop losing weight, and the disease ultimately harms their performance.

Mental health experts say that certain personality traits can be catalysts for developing anorexia. Anorexics seem to be perfectionists, have a great need of approval from others, have low self-esteem, and are obsessive. But in addition to personality, emotional upsets can trigger anorexia and the need for control. As adolescents, girls are psychologically more prone to being overcome by a feeling of powerlessness. Anorexia nervosa allows them to feel in control as they decide how much food to eat or not eat.

Anorexia treatment for women in this situation involves addressing each of these factors. So, a treatment must help the physical body to regain strength and nutrition, but most of all, it must help the mind gain control. Early treatment for both the body and the mind are essential to stopping the disease from doing further harm.

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