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The Causes of Eating Disorders Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa Individuals with eating disorders tend to have negative patterns of thinking regarding their body shape, and their relationship to food. They may have a distorted image of their body and also a distorted experience of food, in which they overestimate the amount of food and feel full and bloated after eating very little. Individuals that suffer from Anorexia or Bulimia share a fear of putting on weight, which some psychologists have argued should be classed as a phobia in its own right. Whereas Anorexia manifests itself in self-imposed starvation, Bulimia involves periods of binge eating followed by some for of compensation for the eating such as use of laxatives or self-induced vomiting. Anorexia and Bulimia not only differ in their symptoms, but in the type of person most likely to develop them and the age of onset. Anorexia tends to occur during adolescence, whereas bulimia usually affects adults in their 20s. Both eating disorders tend to effect women more than men. Causes One particular cause has never been isolated, and it is usually acknowledged that eating disorders have a number of causes or factors that predispose an individual to the likelihood of developing an eating disorder: . Media - the pressure of current beauty standards may cause an individual to feel they must try and conform to an ideal, and consequently bring about an obsession with their body shape. . Parenting style -It has been suggested that over-protecting parenting can contribute to the development of an eating disorder. If a parent expresses an obsessive concern for their child's wellbeing, the child is likely to incorporate this in to their own self-image. Further, parents who are anxious when feeding their children might pass on an association between food and anxiety. . Stress - An individual feeling unable to cope with the pressures they face may focus their stress upon their body. This provides a field in which they can control their distress, believing that weight-loss promises some solution and may bring certain rewards. . Low self-esteem - a common feature of eating disorders is a lack of confidence or a dislike of ones self, which is then projected on to their self image. A line of thinking may emerge in which individuals feel that they will like themselves more if they were thinner. . Adolescence - the fear of growing up, wanting to reverse their body changes, associating a thinner body with youth. . Food - an unhealthy relationship between women and food is often theorized to contribute greatly to an obsession or anxiety about food, and may explain why women are more prone to develop eating disorders than men. In a sense, women are linked with food in terms of nurture and feeding others, and in denying themselves food in order to maintain their shape. Personality It's interesting to explore the significance of personality traits regarding an individual's susceptibility to developing a particular kind of eating disorder. Research tends to propose a link between personality and the type of eating disorder an individual develops. Anorexia usually develops in individuals who are self-motivated, intelligent, high-achievers. Traits such as perfectionism and a competitive disposition are prominent in anorexia-sufferers. Essentially they impose hard targets and standards upon themselves that they often may not be able to attain. The fact that anorexia entails imposing a strict diet, the denial of food or starvation seems to correspond to these personality traits. Bulimia, on the other hand, tends to affect those who are more extroverted and whom often have more anti-social or rebellious traits. They are not as reserved, anxious or self-scrutinizing and have a tendency towards other compulsions and addictive behaviours including promiscuity. Those suffering from Bulimia tend to consume a large quantity of food which is subsequently followed by feelings of remorse. Again this corresponds to personality traits of rebellion, destructive behaviour, and indulgences or compulsions that might lead to a feeling of remorse. Generally speaking, an over exertion of control is characteristic of anorexia, whilst a feeling of lack of control is present in bulimia. It is important to reitify that this is not one acknowledge cause of eating disorders, and the various factors considered here simply contribute to one's susceptibly to eating disorders. Therapies It is crucial to create a healthy relationship with food and establish a regular eating pattern. It is often recommended that the individual consults a dietician to help plan a healthy diet. This is also a useful opportunity to discuss food with a specialist, to reinforce the new attitudes they are trying to encourage towards food. There are many forms of therapy available - group therapy and family therapy help foster a support network which can assist the individual in dealing with their disorder once it has been recognised. This may also contribute to correcting any negative or destructive thought patterns and bring about a more objective body-image. Further, it can be useful to communicate openly with those who have been affected indirectly by the disorder. A course of counselling is another option and this can explore issues of confidence, upbringing, or tendencies towards perfectionism or addictive behaviours. It is crucial to target the thinking styles and personality traits that have become severe enough to lead to this disorder. Also, it is important to then learn alternative coping strategies.

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