Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that can have severe physical and emotional consequences. They can affect people of all ages,backgrounds and genders. While the specific causes of eating disorders are not fully understood, there are several common factors that may contribute to their development.
This Eating Disorder Awareness Week, we are delving deeper into the causes of common eating disorder conditions, helping you to identify the signs and in order to get the necessary support.
The Most Common Causes of Eating Disorders:
- Genetics: Are eating disorders genetic? There is evidence to suggest that genetics may play a role in the development of eating disorders. People with a family history of eating disorders are more likely to develop one themselves.
- Psychological factors: Eating disorders are often associated with underlying psychological issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and trauma. Negative body image and a desire for control over one’s life may also contribute to the development of eating disorders.
- Societal and cultural pressures: Societal and cultural pressures to achieve a certain body type or weight can contribute to the development of eating disorders. In Western cultures, thinness is often equated with attractiveness and success, which can lead to unrealistic expectations and harmful behaviours.
- Life transitions and stressors: Life transitions and stressors such as puberty, starting college, or a traumatic event can trigger the onset of an eating disorder. These events can disrupt one’s sense of identity and contribute to feelings of anxiety and uncertainty.
Now, let’s take a closer look at each of the four most common types of eating disorders.
Anorexia – Causes, Risks & Treatment
Anorexia nervosa is a severe and potentially life-threatening eating disorder characterised by an intense fear of gaining weight, even if one is already underweight. People with anorexia nervosa often see themselves as overweight and may engage in restrictive eating behaviours to maintain a low body weight.
Common Causes of Anorexia Nervosa:
- Genetics: There is a genetic component to anorexia nervosa, and people with a family history of the disorder are more likely to develop it themselves.
- Psychological factors: People with anorexia nervosa often have underlying psychological issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and perfectionism. They may feel a sense of control or achievement in restricting their food intake.
- Societal and cultural pressures: Societal and cultural pressures to achieve thinness and a certain body type can contribute to the development of anorexia nervosa.
- Life transitions and stressors: Life transitions and stressors such as puberty, a new job, or a traumatic event can trigger the onset of anorexia nervosa.
The Risks
- Malnutrition: Anorexia nervosa can lead to malnutrition, which can cause physical problems such as osteoporosis, anaemia, and heart problems.
- Electrolyte imbalances: When the body doesn’t have the right balance of electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and chloride), it can lead to cardiac arrest.
- Mental health conditions: People with anorexia nervosa may experience depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Treatment Options
- Psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is the most effective type of psychotherapy for anorexia nervosa. CBT focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviours related to food and body image. Family-based therapy is also effective for adolescents with anorexia nervosa.
- Nutritional counselling: Nutritional counselling can help people with anorexia nervosa establish healthy eating habits and meal plans.
- Medical monitoring: People with anorexia nervosa need regular medical monitoring to ensure physical health and address any complications that may arise. In severe cases, hospitalisation may be necessary.
Bulimia – Causes, Risks & Treatment
Bulimia nervosa is a serious eating disorder characterised by binge eating followed by purging. People with bulimia often feel out of control during binge episodes and use purging as a way to regain control. Purging can take several forms, including vomiting, using laxatives or diuretics, or engaging in excessive exercise.
Causes of Bulimia
- Genetics: There is evidence that genetic factors may play a role in the development of bulimia. Studies have shown that people with a family history of eating disorders, including bulimia, are more likely to develop the disorder themselves.
- Brain chemistry: Changes in brain chemistry, such as imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, may contribute to the development of bulimia. These changes can affect mood, impulse control, and the ability to regulate eating behaviour.
- Psychological factors: Psychological factors, such as low self-esteem, poor body image, and a history of trauma or abuse, can contribute to the development of bulimia. People with bulimia may use food as a way to cope with negative emotions and stress.
- Dieting and restrictive eating: Dieting and restrictive eating patterns can also contribute to the development of bulimia. This is because these behaviours can disrupt the body’s natural hunger and fullness cues, leading to overeating and subsequent purging behaviours.
- Environmental factors: Environmental factors, such as a cultural emphasis on thinness and body size, can contribute to the development of bulimia. Media messages that promote unrealistic body ideals can also contribute to poor body image and disordered eating behaviours.
Risks
- Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances: Vomiting and laxative use can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which can cause heart problems.
- Acid reflux and other gastrointestinal problems: Frequent vomiting can cause acid reflux, stomach ulcers, and other gastrointestinal problems.
- Mental health conditions: People with bulimia may experience depression, anxiety, and substance abuse problems.
Treatments for Bulimia
- Psychotherapy: CBT and interpersonal therapy (IPT) are effective types of psychotherapy for bulimia nervosa. CBT focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviours related to food and body image, while IPT focuses on improving interpersonal relationships.
- Nutritional counselling: Nutritional counselling can help people with bulimia nervosa establish healthy eating habits and meal plans.
- Medical monitoring: People with bulimia nervosa need regular medical monitoring to ensure physical health and address any complications that may arise. In severe cases, hospitalisation may be necessary.
BED (Binge Eating Disorder) – Risks & Treatment
Binge eating disorder (BED) is a serious eating disorder characterised by recurrent episodes of binge eating, in which a person consumes a large amount of food in a short period of time and experiences a sense of loss of control. Unlike bulimia nervosa, people with BED do not engage in purging behaviours.
The Risks
- Obesity: People with BED are at an increased risk of developing obesity, which can lead to a range of physical health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
- Mental health conditions: People with BED may experience depression, anxiety, and substance abuse problems.
Treatments
- Psychotherapy: CBT and interpersonal therapy (IPT) are effective types of psychotherapy for BED. CBT focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviours related to food and body image, while IPT focuses on improving interpersonal relationships.
- Nutritional counselling: Nutritional counselling can help people with BED establish healthy eating habits and meal plans.
- Medication: Certain medications, such as antidepressants, may be helpful for people with BED.
ARFID – Risks & Treatment
Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a relatively new eating disorder classification characterised by an extreme avoidance or restriction of certain foods or food groups due to sensory issues, fear of negative consequences, or a lack of interest in eating. ARFID can result in significant weight loss, malnutrition, and other physical health problems.
Risks of ARFID
- Malnutrition: When the body doesn’t get enough nutrients, it can cause physical problems such as osteoporosis, anaemia, and heart problems.
- Delayed growth and development: Children and adolescents with ARFID may experience delayed growth and development due to a lack of adequate nutrition.
- Mental health conditions: People with ARFID may experience anxiety, depression, and social isolation.
Treatments to Consider
- Nutritional counselling: Nutritional counselling can help people with ARFID establish healthy eating habits and meal plans.
- Behavioural therapy: Behavioural therapy, such as exposure therapy and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), can help people with ARFID overcome their fear of certain foods and develop positive associations with eating.
Our Approach to Treatment
Our aim is to give you the best chance at recovery. That is why we provide you with a completely holistic treatment plan that addresses your nutritional and emotional needs. At the outset, we get to know you and your eating history. During an initial consultation, we give you the chance to discuss your challenges with a highly qualified professional.
Following this, we will develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs – whether that be appointments with our dietitian for specialist advice and guidance or therapy sessions with a mental health professional. Explore our package options today.
Trust Our Expert Dietitians
Eating disorders can have serious health consequences, which is why seeking help from an experienced team is crucial. At Midland Health, we can quickly arrange appointments with eating disorder experts to provide you with the guidance you need. You won’t have to wait for months to see a specialist, as we can schedule appointments within days.
We prioritise providing our patients with comprehensive treatment at the time they need it. Our Birmingham clinic offers exceptional patient care, consultations with specialists on short notice, state-of-the-art medical facilities, and no waiting lists or need for GP referrals.
Our team of expert dietitians specialise in treating adults and children with eating disorders. In addition to addressing disordered eating behaviours, we take a holistic approach to also treat co-occurring mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and OCD. With highly specialised treatments, we work with you to achieve the best possible outcome. For more information, call us at 0121 769 0999, or send us an email at hello@midlandhealth.co.uk.