Assignment 2: Eating Disorders Biological Causal Fact 051079

Assignment 2 Eating Disordersbiological Causal Factors Of Anorexia Ne

Assignment 2: Eating Disorders Biological causal factors of anorexia nervosa include genetic predisposition, serotonin regulation, and physiologic weight set points. Given the prevalence of this disorder, it seems unlikely that biological causes alone could account for it. Research eating disorders using your textbook and the Argosy University online library resources. Based on your research, respond to the following: 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 represent a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. Among these, biological causal factors of anorexia nervosa—such as genetic predisposition, serotonin regulation, and physiologic weight set points—have garnered significant research support, indicating a substantial biological component. Twin studies, for instance, suggest that genetic factors account for approximately 50-60% of the risk for developing anorexia, emphasizing the importance of hereditary predisposition (Kaye, Wierenga, Bailer, Simmons, & Bischoff-Grethe, 2013). Additionally, disruptions in serotonin pathways, which influence appetite regulation and mood, further underscore biological contributions to the disorder (Kaye et al., 2013). Physiological set points involving hypothalamic regulation of body weight also support the idea that biological factors play a foundational role. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that these biological factors interact intricately with sociocultural and psychological influences, which may trigger or perpetuate the disorder in susceptible individuals.

While biological factors provide a significant foundation, the sociological and individual causes of anorexia nervosa should not be underestimated. Societal pressures emphasizing thinness, media influence, and cultural ideals of beauty can substantially contribute to body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviors (Gordon & Sabino, 2020). Psychological aspects, including perfectionism, low self-esteem, and obsessive-compulsive tendencies, further influence the development and maintenance of anorexia. The restrictive behaviors often characteristic of anorexia nervosa can be interpreted through a biopsychosocial lens, where biological vulnerabilities interact with external stressors and internal cognitive patterns. The various subtypes of anorexia—restrictive and binge-purge—may be differentially influenced by these factors, but both are rooted in a combination of heritable traits and environmental influences.

In terms of treatment, approaches that address both biological and psychosocial factors tend to be most effective. Nutritional rehabilitation and medical stabilization are essential to correct biological disturbances, such as electrolyte imbalances and malnutrition. Psychotherapeutic interventions like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are designed to modify dysfunctional beliefs related to body image and self-esteem, targeting sociocultural influences. Pharmacological treatments, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are frequently used to modify neurotransmitter imbalances, particularly in cases with comorbid depression or obsessive-compulsive features (Kaye et al., 2013). These combined strategies reflect an understanding that anorexia nervosa requires a multidisciplinary approach rooted in the recognition of its biological, psychological, and social dimensions.

Regarding obesity, there are notable similarities and differences with anorexia nervosa. Both disorders involve dysregulation of appetite and weight control, yet their etiologies diverge—obesity often stems from environmental factors such as increased access to high-calorie foods and sedentary lifestyles, as well as genetic predispositions affecting metabolism and fat storage (Human & Hewitt, 2011). Unlike anorexia, obesity is generally not classified strictly as a mental disorder but rather as a complex condition influenced by behavioral, environmental, and genetic factors (Regier et al., 2013). However, recent perspectives acknowledge that obesity can involve psychological components, such as emotional eating and binge episodes, blurring the boundary between physical and mental health. The debate remains whether obesity should be designated as a mental disorder; many argue that labeling it as such might not capture its multifactorial nature and may stigmatize individuals seeking help (Luppino et al., 2010).

References

• Kaye, W. H., Wierenga, C. E., Bailer, U. F., Simmons, A. N., & Bischoff-Grethe, A. (2013). Nothing tastes as good as thin feels: The neurobiology of anorexia nervosa. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 17(11), 549-558.
• Gordon, S. E., & Sabino, J. (2020). Cultural influences and societal pressures in anorexia nervosa. Journal of Eating Disorders, 8(1), 12.
• Human, R., & Hewitt, J. K. (2011). Genetic and environmental influences on obesity: Insights from twin studies. Obesity Reviews, 12(3), 268-279.
• Regier, D. A., et al. (2013). The conceptualization of obesity as a mental disorder. Psychiatry Research, 207(2), 181-188.
• Luppino, F. S., et al. (2010). Overweight, obesity, and depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Archives of General Psychiatry, 67(3), 220-229.