Pathophysiology

The cause of eating disorders is unknown, but it is thought to be a complex combination of genetic, psychological and neurobiological factors.

Risk factors include:

• Gender – 90% females
• Family history of eating disorder or psychiatric disorder
• Psychological – anxiety, depression, low self esteem
• Social factors – poor support, isolation, household stresses
• Neurobiological – associated with abnormal neurotransmitter activity

Eating disorders have significant psychological impacts for patients, including anxiety, depression, social withdrawal and suicidal ideation.

Physical complications in anorexia nervosa occur due to the malnutrition associated with starvation.

Click on each of the systems below to find out more about the physical complications.