The Surprising Differences & Similarities Of Eating Disorders

Causes & Risk Factors Of Eating Disorders

The exact causes for anorexia and bulimia are unknown, however, there are many factors that can play a significant part in an eating disorder's development, including emotional and mental health, biology, societal expectations, peer pressure, and other issues. Specifically, anorexia is associated with obsessive-compulsive tendencies, anxiety, or a need for perfectionism, which can lead to individuals developing it.

Risk factors increasing an individual’s chance of developing an eating disorder include being female, as females are more than likely to develop one compared to males, age usually in the late teens into early adulthood, biology with a possible serotonin deficiency, relatives with an eating disorder, or being overweight as a child. Other factors include psychological and emotional issues such as anxiety, stress, low self-esteem or traumatic events, media and societal pressure found on television shows, movies, in music, and in magazines relaying the message that thinness equals success and popularity, and sports, work or artistic pressures associated with better performance.

Signs & Symptoms To Be Aware Of

First, it can be difficult to notice signs and symptoms as many patients dealing with an eating disorder often go to great extremes to hide their condition from loved ones. It can also be difficult to notice as what is considered a low body weight is different for each individual. For anorexia, the physical signs and symptoms are related to starvation, but can also include emotional and behavioral issues associated with an unrealistic perception of body weight and an extreme fear of gaining weight. Anorexia physical symptoms include extreme weight loss, a thin appearance, abnormal blood counts, fatigue, insomnia, dizziness, bluish discoloration of the fingers, the absence of menstruation, thinning hair, constipation, and abdominal pain, as well as dry or yellowish skin.

Other physical symptoms include intolerance of the cold, irregular heart rhythms, low blood pressure, dehydration, swelling of the arms or legs, and eroded teeth and calluses on the knuckles from induced vomiting. Emotional symptoms of anorexia are severely restricting food intake, frequently skipping meals or refusing to eat, adopting rigid eating habits, lack of emotion, decreased libido, covering up in layers of clothing, irritability, social withdrawal, and insomnia.