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Are Eating Disorders Genetic?

Are Eating Disorders Genetic?

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Eating disorders can make your life difficult and can lead to extreme demotivation. However, many people wonder something along the topic: Are eating disorders genetic? The answer to this query is discussed in this article. To learn more, continue reading this blog.

Understanding Eating Disorders:

Eating disorders are physical and mental health deteriorating disorders. This can lead to self-doubt, lowered self-esteem, and negative thoughts. The extremeness of this disorder can lead to severe disruptions in the daily life functioning of a person.

Some Common Symptoms Of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are marked by the following signs:

Physical signs:

  • Noticeable weight changes
  • Dryness
  • Sore throat
  • Irregular periods
  • Stomach Issues
  • Hair thinning
  • Dizziness
  • Lack of energy
  • Intolerance for cold
  • Dental Issues

Behavioral signs:

  • Meal avoidance
  • Self-induced vomiting
  • Wearing loose clothes
  • Meal skipping
  • Structured eating patterns
  • Social Withdrawal
  • Excessive exercising
  • Obsession with dieting

Psychological signs:

  • Extreme fear of weight gaining
  • Decreased self-esteem
  • Out-of-control behavior
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Mood Swings
  • Irritability
  • Dissatisfaction with body image
  • Preoccupation with weight, body size, or appearance
  • Shame
  • Guilt

Association Between Anorexia Nervosa And Genetics

Although, there are many eating disorders. However, several medical information is present for anorexia nervosa. These studies point towards the strong association between the genetic predisposition and the onset of anorexia nervosa. Furthermore, this is a type of eating disorder that is present in families and can affect the next generations as well. Patients with a strong familial history are 11 times more like to develop anorexia nervosa

For people with anorexia nervosa irregularities in genes can lead to the regulation of the following:

  • Fasting Insulin
  • Cholesterol raising
  • Obesity
  • Fasting glucose

This indicates that anorexia nervosa is a mental health disorder related to metabolism.

Eating Disorders And Genetics

The rate of genetic studies having details on bulimia and binge eating disorders is rare. However, the truth cannot be denied that several people suffer from these types of disordered eating.

There was a study conducted by some competent researchers that indicated that there is a presence of shared genetic risk factors in people diagnosed with binge eating disorder. In simpler words, genes play a significant role in the onset of eating disorders.

Read More: What is the Purpose of the Eating Disorder Symbol?

Ways To Break The Ongoing Cycle Of Genetic Eating Disorders

Every healthy person fears developing any mental illness. The same goes for eating disorders as well. No one will ever want to combat an eating disorder. But, the risk is also high due to the presence of genes. Let’s assume for a moment that you are suffering from a genetic eating disorder. What can you do in such a scenario?

The most important factor in managing the risk of genetic eating disorders includes the intake of a nutritious diet. Adulting is difficult and often includes neglecting several factors such as the intake of a nutritious diet. Stress also plays an important role in the onset of genetic eating disorder. Some life-changing events such as moving to a new place, joining a university, or even starting a new job can increase the development of eating disorders.

So, there is no single way to manage the risk of the development of genetic eating disorders. Simply following some steps can do wonders. Always remember to keep your body nourished along with developing coping skills to prevent stressors and triggers.

What Are Other Factors That Can Lead To Eating Disorders?

Any mental health disorder is never caused by just a single reason. There are always other factors too. Some of the common risk factors contributing to the onset of eating disorders are:

Social Environment:

Eating Disorders are led by cultural factors, weight-based testing, reduced social networks, and a history of trauma.

Mental Health Disorders:

Eating habits are always affected by the way a person thinks and lives their life. Some particular behaviors like dissatisfaction with the body, attention to detail, and rigidity in nature all can act as triggers for causing eating disorders. Additionally, some mental health disorders such as Obsessive-compulsive disorder can also increase the chances of eating disorders.

Biological:

Dieting and certain medical conditions such as the most common one diabetes can increase the risk of triggering the onset of an eating disorder.

If you seek professional medical treatment for treating eating disorders, then your mental health professional will ensure that any co-occurring issues are also considered and treated. Moreover, you will get to know whether are eating disorders genetic or not.

Effective Therapeutic Approaches:

Eating disorders can be painful and stressful. Therefore, choosing a mental health professional for the treatment is essential. Some of the effective treatment approaches are as follows:

Talk Therapy:

Talk therapy, often called psychotherapy, holds great importance in treating eating disorders. It requires a regular follow-up with the psychologist. This type of therapy can last for a few months to years but it ensures you to help in the following areas:

  • Development of healthy eating habits and focusing on attaining the optimal weight.
  • Changing unhealthy habits into healthy ones.
  • Learning stress management coping skills.
  • Leads to better relationships.
  • It makes your mood better.

Read More: What Causes An Eating Disorder?

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy:

This therapy entirely focuses on diminishing the negative thoughts related to body image and leading to the onset of eating disorders. Moreover, the development of healthy eating habits is the key concern. After that the next approach is to deal with the negative thoughts and change them into pleasant thoughts to prevent the deterioration of signs of eating disorders.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy:

This therapy is a combination of group and individual therapy that aids in developing expertise in managing stress signs, irregularities in emotions, and the development of healthy relationships.

Conclusion!

Eating disorders come under the category of mental and physical disorders. This can lead to self-doubt, lowered self-esteem, and negative thoughts. Moreover, the common signs include dryness, sore throat, irregular periods, stomach issues, depression, anxiety, and mood swings. Many people wonder if there are any genetic causes of eating disorders. Yes, they do have a link with genes and can be triggered due to a family chain of eating disorders. However, there are some effective ways to manage the signs of eating disorders such as talk therapy, DBT, and CBT. So, if you are also worried due to your signs of eating disorders. Then get in touch with Orange Coast Psychiatry for a complete recovery from this illness and learn about the most concerned question “Are Eating Disorders Genetic?”

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Shaheena Gazipura

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Motivated by a growing passion for mental health care, Richard pursued his Registered Nurse (RN) education at Saddleback Community College and later transitioned to La Palma Intercommunity Hospital Behavioral Health. In this role, he specialized in geriatric psychiatry, working with older adults experiencing conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia, depression, and anxiety. This experience solidified his commitment to mental health, leading him to work at Bellflower Community Hospital, where he provided care for patients experiencing severe psychiatric crises, including suicidal ideation, manic and depressive episodes, substance use disorders, and exacerbated schizophrenia symptoms.

Inspired by the impactful work of PMHNPs at Bellflower, Richard enrolled in the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at Azusa Pacific University. To broaden his expertise, he worked full-time at College Hospital Costa Mesa while completing his studies. There, he gained comprehensive experience across various units, including adolescent, acute men’s and women’s, stabilization, and detox/med-surg. Now, as a PMHNP, Richard is committed to leveraging his diverse background and knowledge to provide compassionate, comprehensive care to those in need.

Richard currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where he is supervised by Dr. Montgomery.

 

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Clint Nacar

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