Eating disorders are complex conditions that are characterized by severe disturbances in eating behavior (DSM-IV, 1994). The two specific subtypes considered in this review are Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa. The major symptom of anorexia includes the refusal to maintain a minimally normal body weight. Anorexia also has a mortality rate of 10-15% (DSM-IV, 1994; Adès, Gorwood, Kipman, Mouren-Simeoni, 1999). Features associated with bulimia include binge eating and compensatory methods of weight control, such as purging. Eating disorders have previously been considered to be confined to Western culture, although recently they have been identified in non-Westernized societies such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Malaysia (Simpson, 2002). This spread across cultures has forced researchers to look beyond the hypothesis that eating disorders are due to the Western society’s “fat phobia” (Simpson, 2002). Adès summarizes the fact that there are countless factors that may lead to the onset of such disorders, but the most profound evidence points to two factors: an inherited genetic predisposition to the disease and factors such as the socio-c

A parent’s eating disorder has also been correlated with their child’s relationship with food. “If food has become more or less to the primary caregiver than a fuel to enable the body to function, it is possible the child will not develop a normal relationship with food” (Harris and Whitehouse, 1998, p.239).

Finally, in another study the role of one’s family environment was addressed (Humfress et al., 1997). Relationships in families of bulimic patients were poorer than those with anorexic patients. Parents of anorexics showed more nurturing affection and neglect of their child’s needs to express themselves. There is also evidence indicating a clear relationship between physical abuse in families and the incidence of eating disorders, which is not surprising due to the abuse occurring in generally dysfunctional families (Humfress et al., 1997).

My support for the theory that one’s environment can result in an eating disorder, is brought on by both my sister Jessica’s situation and my own. Jessica’s boyfriend died in an unfortunate accident when she was in high school, which led her to fall into a deep depression. Soon after, she began to show signs of OCD and anorexia. Due to the circumstance of her boyfriend’s accident, many students treated her differently as if it was her fault. This caused her to feel insecure and even more depressed. I, on the other hand had no trauma or certain event that I can pinpoint on the development of my disorder. I left for Miami University last fall as a healthy, “normal” eighteen year old. I was extremely busy and involved in many activities. I began working out as a stress reliever, and I suppose it snowballed from there. I was working out more and more, while eating less and less. Noticing results, I continued on this outrageous schedule, not realizing that was out of control. I still saw myself as overweight (even though I was not overweight to begin with). At the end of the year when I came home, my parents were horrified and I was taken to the doctor who diagnosed me with anorexia along with compulsive exercising. It has taken me this long to actually recognize that I have a problem and it is a continuous struggle every day. When I look at the circumstances Jessica and I were in, I can also support the theory that our environment had an influence on the occurrence of our eating disorders.

Some topics in this essay:
Sham Treasure, Miami University, Disorders Association, Malaysia Simpson, Petire Rogers, Petrie Rogers, Harris Whitehouse, Kipman Mouren-Simeoni, eating disorders, Bulimia Nervosa, Review Eating, et al, eating disorder, adès et, et al 1999, al 1999, adès et al, support theory, simpson 2002, rogers 2001, humfress et al, petrie rogers 2001, own opinions, petrie rogers, et al 1997,