Eating disorders are caused by a combination of psychological, interpersonal and social factors. The Eating Disorders Programme from the Department of Psychiatry at Singapore General Hospital (SGH) explains further. Show
While eating disorders may begin with preoccupations with food and weight, they are most often about much more than food. Continued from previous page. The Eating Disorders Programme from the Department of Psychiatry at Singapore General Hospital (SGH), a member of the SingHealth group, shares the common causes of eating disorders. Causes of eating disorders are complex and multi-dimensionalWhile eating disorders may begin with preoccupations with food and weight, they are most often about much more than food. Eating disorders are complex conditions that start from a combination of long-standing behavioral, emotional, psychological, interpersonal, and social factors. Scientists and researchers are still learning about the underlying causes of these emotionally and physically damaging conditions. However, some of the general issues that contribute to the development of eating disorders have been discovered. Psychological triggers for eating disorders
Interpersonal factors
Social influences
Other factors that may cause eating disorders
People with eating disorders often use food and the control of food in an attempt to compensate for feelings and emotions that may otherwise seem overwhelming. For some, dieting, bingeing, and purging may begin as a way to cope with painful emotions and to feel in control of life. But ultimately, these behaviors will damage a person’s physical and emotional health, self-esteem, and sense of competence and control. For more information and tips, download a FREE copy of the "Treating Eating Disorders: The SGH Experience" booklet. Information modified from National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA). See page 1 for the three types of eating disorders. See the next page for health, psychological and social impacts of eating disorders. See page 4 for treatments for eating orders and coping tips. Ref: U11 Check out other articles on mental health: Eating Disorders in Men: Causes and When to Seek Help Anxiety and Depression: When to Seek Help Mental Health Tips for Using Social Media 8 Ways to Beat Stress at Work 10 Tips for Mental Wellness 20 Stress-Busting Tips from Psychiatrists How to Better Manage Emotions at Work What is ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)? OverviewEating disorders are serious conditions related to persistent eating behaviors that negatively impact your health, your emotions and your ability to function in important areas of life. The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder. Most eating disorders involve focusing too much on your weight, body shape and food, leading to dangerous eating behaviors. These behaviors can significantly impact your body's ability to get appropriate nutrition. Eating disorders can harm the heart, digestive system, bones, and teeth and mouth, and lead to other diseases. Eating disorders often develop in the teen and young adult years, although they can develop at other ages. With treatment, you can return to healthier eating habits and sometimes reverse serious complications caused by the eating disorder. SymptomsSymptoms vary, depending on the type of eating disorder. Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder are the most common eating disorders. Other eating disorders include rumination disorder and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder. Anorexia nervosaAnorexia (an-o-REK-see-uh) nervosa — often simply called anorexia — is a potentially life-threatening eating disorder characterized by an abnormally low body weight, intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted perception of weight or shape. People with anorexia use extreme efforts to control their weight and shape, which often significantly interferes with their health and life activities. When you have anorexia, you excessively limit calories or use other methods to lose weight, such as excessive exercise, using laxatives or diet aids, or vomiting after eating. Efforts to reduce your weight, even when underweight, can cause severe health problems, sometimes to the point of deadly self-starvation. Bulimia nervosaBulimia (boo-LEE-me-uh) nervosa — commonly called bulimia — is a serious, potentially life-threatening eating disorder. When you have bulimia, you have episodes of bingeing and purging that involve feeling a lack of control over your eating. Many people with bulimia also restrict their eating during the day, which often leads to more binge eating and purging. During these episodes, you typically eat a large amount of food in a short time, and then try to rid yourself of the extra calories in an unhealthy way. Because of guilt, shame and an intense fear of weight gain from overeating, you may force vomiting or you may exercise too much or use other methods, such as laxatives, to get rid of the calories. If you have bulimia, you're probably preoccupied with your weight and body shape, and may judge yourself severely and harshly for your self-perceived flaws. You may be at a normal weight or even a bit overweight. Binge-eating disorderWhen you have binge-eating disorder, you regularly eat too much food (binge) and feel a lack of control over your eating. You may eat quickly or eat more food than intended, even when you're not hungry, and you may continue eating even long after you're uncomfortably full. After a binge, you may feel guilty, disgusted or ashamed by your behavior and the amount of food eaten. But you don't try to compensate for this behavior with excessive exercise or purging, as someone with bulimia or anorexia might. Embarrassment can lead to eating alone to hide your bingeing. A new round of bingeing usually occurs at least once a week. You may be normal weight, overweight or obese. Rumination disorderRumination disorder is repeatedly and persistently regurgitating food after eating, but it's not due to a medical condition or another eating disorder such as anorexia, bulimia or binge-eating disorder. Food is brought back up into the mouth without nausea or gagging, and regurgitation may not be intentional. Sometimes regurgitated food is rechewed and reswallowed or spit out. The disorder may result in malnutrition if the food is spit out or if the person eats significantly less to prevent the behavior. The occurrence of rumination disorder may be more common in infancy or in people who have an intellectual disability. Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorderThis disorder is characterized by failing to meet your minimum daily nutrition requirements because you don't have an interest in eating; you avoid food with certain sensory characteristics, such as color, texture, smell or taste; or you're concerned about the consequences of eating, such as fear of choking. Food is not avoided because of fear of gaining weight. The disorder can result in significant weight loss or failure to gain weight in childhood, as well as nutritional deficiencies that can cause health problems. When to see a doctorAn eating disorder can be difficult to manage or overcome by yourself. Eating disorders can virtually take over your life. If you're experiencing any of these problems, or if you think you may have an eating disorder, seek medical help. Urging a loved one to seek treatmentUnfortunately, many people with eating disorders may not think they need treatment. If you're worried about a loved one, urge him or her to talk to a doctor. Even if your loved one isn't ready to acknowledge having an issue with food, you can open the door by expressing concern and a desire to listen. Be alert for eating patterns and beliefs that may signal unhealthy behavior, as well as peer pressure that may trigger eating disorders. Red flags that may indicate an eating disorder include:
If you're worried that your child may have an eating disorder, contact his or her doctor to discuss your concerns. If needed, you can get a referral to a qualified mental health professional with expertise in eating disorders, or if your insurance permits it, contact an expert directly. CausesThe exact cause of eating disorders is unknown. As with other mental illnesses, there may be many causes, such as:
Risk factorsTeenage girls and young women are more likely than teenage boys and young men to have anorexia or bulimia, but males can have eating disorders, too. Although eating disorders can occur across a broad age range, they often develop in the teens and early 20s. Certain factors may increase the risk of developing an eating disorder, including:
ComplicationsEating disorders cause a wide variety of complications, some of them life-threatening. The more severe or long lasting the eating disorder, the more likely you are to experience serious complications, such as:
PreventionAlthough there's no sure way to prevent eating disorders, here are some strategies to help your child develop healthy-eating behaviors:
If you notice a family member or friend who seems to show signs of an eating disorder, consider talking to that person about your concern for his or her well-being. Although you may not be able to prevent an eating disorder from developing, reaching out with compassion may encourage the person to seek treatment. Feb. 22, 2018 What factors influence the development of eating disorders?Psychological. Low self-esteem.. Depression and anxiety.. Lack of healthy coping strategies.. Difficulty expressing emotion and feelings.. History of abuse and trauma.. Temperament traits such as: obsessive thinking, perfectionism, sensitivity to reward and punishment.. What is one major factor in the development of eating disorders?Dieting and starvation.
Dieting is a risk factor for developing an eating disorder. Starvation affects the brain and influences mood changes, rigidity in thinking, anxiety and reduction in appetite. There is strong evidence that many of the symptoms of an eating disorder are actually symptoms of starvation.
What are three factors that can play a role in the development of disordered eating behaviors?Risk factors related to eating behaviors and body image may also be tied to the development of eating disorders. These could include weight-related teasing and critical comments about weight; having a fixation with a thin body; early childhood feeding, eating, or gastrointestinal problems; and body dissatisfaction.
What are the factors that may contribute to the development of anorexia nervosa?Changes in specific genes may put certain people at higher risk of anorexia. Those with a first-degree relative — a parent, sibling or child — who had the disorder have a much higher risk of anorexia. Dieting and starvation. Dieting is a risk factor for developing an eating disorder.
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