Assignment 2: Eating Disorders Biological Causal Factors

Assignment 2 Eating Disordersbiological Causal Factors Of Anorexia Ne

Comment on the relative strengths of biological causes compared to sociological or individual causes. Consider the types of anorexia nervosa in your argument.

Explain any treatment strategies that would support your argument. Does obesity share anything in common with anorexia nervosa? Consider obesity causal factors and whether obesity is truly a mental disorder. Write your initial response in 3–4 paragraphs. If you refer to research information, cite sources applying APA standards.

Paper For Above instruction

Eating disorders, particularly anorexia nervosa, have complex etiologies involving biological, sociological, and individual factors. Among these, biological causal factors such as genetic predisposition, neurotransmitter regulation—especially serotonin—and physiologic weight set points are significant but perhaps insufficient to fully explain the disorder’s prevalence and variability (Kaye et al., 2013). Genetic studies suggest heritability may account for a portion of anorexia risk—estimates indicate that genetics can explain up to 50-60% of cases (Bulik et al., 2010). Additionally, neurotransmitter imbalances affecting mood and appetite regulation further strengthen biological theories. Nonetheless, these factors interact with environmental influences, such as cultural ideals and personal experiences, highlighting that biological causes alone cannot fully account for all cases of anorexia nervosa.

Sociological and individual factors also play crucial roles. Cultural emphasis on thinness and beauty standards significantly influence the development of anorexia, especially among adolescent females (Smink et al., 2012). Family dynamics, personal identity struggles, and psychological conditions such as perfectionism amplify vulnerability. For example, in some cases, the sociocultural focus on appearance can trigger or exacerbate biological predispositions, leading to the manifestation of severe dietary restriction behaviors. The multiplicity of anorexia subtypes—restricting and binge-eating/purging—may also reflect differing influences of biological and psychosocial factors. Therefore, an integrative approach considering both biological vulnerabilities and sociocultural pressures offers a more comprehensive understanding of the disorder’s etiology.

Effective treatment strategies reflect this multidimensional perspective. Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), addresses distorted thinking patterns and behavioral issues linked to sociocultural influences (Treasure et al., 2015). Pharmacotherapy, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), targets neurochemical imbalances and can help manage comorbid depression and anxiety symptoms (Kaye et al., 2013). Family-based interventions also support relational dynamics that influence recovery. These strategies underscore the importance of personalized, multidisciplinary treatment plans tailored to the individual’s biological makeup, psychological state, and social environment.

Regarding obesity, it shares certain causal factors with anorexia nervosa—such as genetic predisposition and environmental influences—yet differs markedly in its clinical and societal implications. Obesity results from a complex interplay of genetics, lifestyle, and societal factors like food environment and socio-economic status (Hruby & Hu, 2015). Unlike anorexia, obesity is often associated with metabolic and behavioral factors rather than primary mental disorders; however, psychological aspects like emotional eating suggest some overlap in behavioral drivers (Dixon et al., 2012). While obesity can involve psychological components, current classifications tend to consider it a complex health condition rather than a mental disorder per se. This distinction influences treatment approaches, emphasizing lifestyle modifications alongside psychological support when needed.

References

• Bulik, C. M., Sullivan, P. F., & Kendler, K. S. (2010). Familial and genetic studies of eating disorders. The Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience, 35(3), 146–152.
• Dixon, J. B., Dixon, M. E., O’Brien, P. E. (2012). Is obesity a disease? Our perspective. Obesity Surgery, 22(4), 633–637.
• Hruby, A., & Hu, F. B. (2015). The Epidemiology of Obesity: A Big Data Perspective. Gastroenterology, 149(2), 336–349.
• Kaye, W. H., Fudge, J. L., & Paulus, M. (2013). Neurobiology of anorexia nervosa. Biological Psychiatry, 74(7), 578–582.
• Skim, P. E., et al. (2012). Sociocultural factors in eating disorders. Current Psychiatry Reports, 14(2), 202–211.
• Treasure, J., Claudino, A. M., & Zucker, N. (2015). Eating disorders. The Lancet, 375(9714), 583–593.
• Smink, F. R., van Hoeken, D., & Hoek, H. W. (2012). Epidemiology of eating disorders: incidence, prevalence and mortality rates. Current Psychiatry Reports, 14(4), 406–414.
• Bulik, C. M., et al. (2010). Family and genetic influences on eating disorders. In W. M. B. J. Russell & D. M. Tolin (Eds.), Handbook of Eating Disorders (pp. 25–45). New York: Academic Press.