What are risk factors associated with anorexia nervosa?

What are risk factors associated with anorexia nervosa?

These include a family history of anorexia nervosa,1-3 obesity,4 eating and weight concerns,5 affective disorder,1,6-12 substance abuse,9-11,13 and obsessive-compulsive disorder11,12,14; a history of exposure to adverse events and circumstances15-18; and the presence of certain traits such as perfectionism.

Which individual has the highest risk for developing anorexia nervosa?

Eating disorders can occur in individuals of any age from children to older adults. However, studies show a peak in the occurrence of eating disorders during adolescence and early adulthood. Therefore, teenage girls and young women have the highest risk factor for developing eating disorders based on age.

Who suffers from anorexia?

Anorexia is more common among girls and women than boys and men. Anorexia is also more common among girls and younger women than older women. On average, girls develop anorexia at 16 or 17. Teen girls between 13 and 19 and young women in their early 20s are most at risk.

Which of the following is a high risk group for anorexia nervosa?

What part of the body is affected by anorexia?

Untreated, anorexia nervosa can lead to: Damaged organs, especially the heart, brain, and kidneys. Drop in blood pressure, pulse, and breathing rates. Loss of hair.

Which is the most serious health risk from anorexia nervosa?

The most serious health risk of anorexia is an increased mortality rate. Other health risks associated with anorexia are also very serious, including: Cardiac complications (ranging from irregular heart rhythms to heart failure) Heart, kidney and liver failure. Bone loss/osteoporosis. Anemia.

What is one of the major contributing factors in anorexia?

This pressure and criticism from family members serves as a major contributing factor to the onset of anorexia. The desire for acceptance and approval from family members and peers can cause anxiety that results in symptomatic behavior. Suffering from anxiety is a major reason why many develop anorexia.

Why is anorexia nervosa so difficult to treat?

Anorexia is notoriously hard to treat and for decades, scientists tried to determine exactly why this condition is so difficult to cure. Earlier studies hypothesized that anorexia is caused by extreme will power to avoid weight gain, but now a new study is going against this established theory: it is habit-forming.

Is anorexia nervosa associated with elevated rates of suicide?

Although medical complications related to malnutrition are the leading cause of death among individuals with anorexia nervosa, suicide is believed to follow closely behind. Suicidal behavior is elevated in patients with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder, the three eating disorders that have been most studied.