Natenshon, A. (1999). When Your Child Has An Eating Disorder:
A Step-by-Step Workbook, Gurze Books. 

1. An over involvement in the life of the child. If a parent is completely overprotective, the child, then, searches for a means of CONTROL. They figure since they cannot control what is occurring around them, they will control what will or will not be placed in their mouth.
2. Abandonment Issues: If a divorce or separation takes place in the household, the individual, then, wants to revert back to an earlier, happier time, or a need for attention. Often times, the child might be placed in the role of the mediator between the parents and/or the parents and their siblings.
3. If the child grows up in a tremendously body conscious household. For example, if the mother and/or father is constantly dieting, exercising, and/or commenting about weight issues, the child might begin to emulate the parent's behavior (as a means of acceptance).
4. Mourning Period (bereavement): An eating disorder may arise as a result of a death. Because of an inability to mourn, the individual will attempt to numb his/her feelings through restriction or binging.
5. Ridiculed about weight: If an individual was constantly made fun of (name-calling, jokes, etc.) when he/she was growing up, they might be inclined to develop an eating disorder (coping mechanism).

Depression: A mental state of depressed mood characterized by feelings of sadness, despair and discouragement. Depression ranges from normal feelings of the blues through dysthymia to major depression. It in many ways resembles the grief and mourning that follow bereavement, there are often feelings of low self esteem, guilt and self reproach, withdrawal from interpersonal contact and physical symptoms such as eating and sleep disturbances.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: A psychological disorder that develops in some individuals who have had psychologically traumatic experiences. Events which may be traumatic are marked by a perceived threat of death or injury, fear, helplessness (loss of control), or horror. Notable symptoms of PTSD include intrusions (flashbacks or nightmares which cause the patient to re-experience the traumatic event), avoidance of people or things which provoke intrusions, and hyperarousal (increased vigilance or startle response). There may also be depression, excessive irritability, and guilt (for having survived while others died).
Definitions provided by: www.gulflink.osd.mil/medsearch/glossary/glossary_d.shtml

Anxiety: An uncomfortable emotional state associated with a perceived danger, feelings of powerlessness and prolonged tension in preparation for the expected danger. Physical symptoms include increased heart rate, disturbed breathing, trembling, sweating, and vasomotor changes.
Definitions provided by: depression.about.com/library/glossary/blglossaryindexa.htm

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: An anxiety disorder in which a person feels trapped in repetitive, persistent thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive, ritualized behaviours (compulsions). Attempts to resist a compulsion produces mounting tension and anxiety, which are relieved immediately by giving ino it. People with obsessive-compulsive disorder derive no pleasure from it other than the release of tension.
Definitions provided by: access.autistics.org/resources/glossary/main.htm

 "Researchers say perfectionism is a personality style in which a person is overly critical of his or her own performance. Perfectionists also tend to have an excessive need for approval and are greatly concerned about making mistakes. They differ from high achievers who are driven by a goal to achieve, whereas perfectionists are driven by a fear of failure. According to a study published in the February issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry, researchers found that perfectionism appears to increase the risk of developing eating disorders, but not other psychiatric problems, such as depression, alcoholism, anxiety disorder, or phobias."

 "Studies have shown that there are a high number of people suffering with eating disorders who have been subjected to some form of emotional, physical, or sexual abuse. Many of these people have found that their eating disorders help to protect them, repress or block out the memories, and numbed their feelings. Facing issues of abuse can be very painful, so most people feel they need to forget about it or make the memories disappear.
 
Many people blame themselves for the abuse and keep it a secret for years. Since it is so hard to understand why someone would do such horrible things to another human being, the victims usually assume they must have done something wrong to deserve it. They usually keep it a secret because of the shame and guilt they feel. They may also fear that no one will believe them it they talk about it or they may have been threatened by their abuser not to tell. For these victims, sometimes their eating disorders become their only means of coping and expressing their emotions. Many bulimics and compulsive eaters reveal that bingeing is their way of stuffing down the emotions they feel. Food becomes their only source of comfort and it can help to numb their feelings, even though it is only temporary.
 
Some victims of abuse believe that if they are too thin or too obese, it will make them unattractive and the abuse will stop. Others may believe that by not eating they can just fade away and die, then the abuse will have to end. Other victims have expressed a need to be in control in the areas of food. They feel the need to control the food that goes in and out of their bodies, since they felt they had no control over what was happening to their bodies during the abuse. Purging is another way for abuse victims to release their emotions. If they believe they cannot tell anyone about the abuse and express the emotions they are experiencing, purging may be the only way they know how to get those feelings out. Many feel relieved and calm after purging, but it is only temporary and that is why the cycle continues."

 Researchers are currently investigating the possibility of a possible genetic link present among those who develop eating disorders. If there is a history of eating disorder case(s) in the family, there could be a possible link in the development of a future eating disorder.
 
The National Institute of Mental Health/ National Institute of Health is providing support for a study about for the genetics of anorexia. The study is a multi-center, international study is seeking to determine whether a gene or genes might predispose individuals to develop anorexia nervosa.  They are seeking families with at least two members who have or had anorexia nervosa, and who would be willing to participate.
For more information, please call (888) 895-3886 or visit them on the web at www.angenetics.org

 Although the media is not the direct cause of an eating disorder, the constant bombardment of unattainable perfection definitely influences our self-esteem. From a very early age, we learn that in order to be accepted, we must emulate the messages we were taught by various media outlets (such as "thin is in" and what is beautiful). According to Smolak, "The average woman is 5"4' and weighs 140 pounds. The average model is 5"11' and weighs 117 pounds. Most fashion models are thinner than 98% of American women."¹

DO SOMETHING!:
http://www.about-face.org/ About Face is a San Francisco based nonprofit that combats negative and distorted images of women in the media. Help them make a difference! Get involved!

• Athletes: wrestlers, jockeys, gymnasts, runners, swimmers, football players, and figure skaters.
• Dancers
• Models
• Actors

• Eating disorders.
• Amenorrhea (absence or irregular menstruation). Evidence is mounting that overly restricting calories may be more important than low weight in causing menstrual problems. Studies suggest that amenorrhea occurs even in women with normal weight if they severely diet.
• Osteoporosis. Bone loss, on the other hand, appears to be related to low weight. The more severe the weight loss, the more bone is lost.

1. Smolak L. (1996). National Eating Disorders Association/Next Door Neighbors puppet guide book.