How is the disease characterised?
The cause of anorexia nervosa is unknown, although it’s likely that both inherent biological factors and factors in the person’s social environment play a part. The disease is mainly encountered in the Western world and is more common among women in certain professions, such as models and ballet dancers. Puberty, relationship problems, bullying, abuse, and other life stresses are all believed to be potential triggers of anorexia. There may also be peer pressure to lose weight, nasty comments from others about weight that trigger dieting or an unrealistic expectation of what a normal body weight should be. Certain personality traits make some people more vulnerable to developiong anorexia. These include a tendency to depression and anxiety, a poor reaction to stress, perfectionism, inhibition and obsessional or compulsive feelings.
