The exact cause of anorexia nervosa is not known, but probably involves genetic, psychological and environmental factors. Risk factors include perfectionism, prior digestive problems, a family history of eating disorders and excessive stress from life events or changes.
Following is a list of causes or underlying conditions (see also Misdiagnosis of underlying causes of Anorexia Nervosa) that could possibly cause Anorexia Nervosa includes:
The following conditions have been cited in various sources as potentially causal risk factors related to Anorexia Nervosa:
Gender of Patients for Anorexia Nervosa: Females much more than males (around 90%). Only 5-15% are males....more »
Gender Profile of Anorexia Nervosa: Females are much more likely than males to develop an eating disorder. Only an estimated 5 to 15 percent of people with... (Source: excerpt from The Numbers Count: NIMH) ...more »
To research the causes of Anorexia Nervosa, consider researching the causes of these these diseases that may be similar, or associated with Anorexia Nervosa:
Causes of Broader Categories of Anorexia Nervosa: Review the causal information about the various more general categories of medical conditions:
Conditions listing Anorexia Nervosa as a symptom may also be potential underlying causes of Anorexia Nervosa. Our database lists the following as having Anorexia Nervosa as a symptom of that condition:
Article excerpts about the
causes of Anorexia Nervosa:
The exact cause of anorexia nervosa remains unknown. People with
anorexia may believe that they would be happier and more successful if
they were thin. Anorexics tend to be perfectionists. They want everything
in their lives to be perfect. People suffering from this illness are
typically good students and are involved in many school and community
activities. They tend to blame themselves if things in their life are less
than perfect. Many anorexics suffer from errors in thinking or
perceptions. They incorrectly believe they need to lose weight to find
happiness. Body
image distortions are common place among anorexics. Others have had
difficulties in relationships and manifest these problems through their
eating habits. Anorexia can also be the delayed result of unresolved
conflicts or painful experiences from childhood. (Source: excerpt from Anorexia Nervosa: NWHIC)
The following medical news items are relevant to causes of Anorexia Nervosa:
As with all medical conditions, there may be many causal factors. Further relevant information on causes of Anorexia Nervosa may be found in:
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