The complex web of causes and triggers for atypical anorexia.
Atypical anorexia is a term used to describe anorexia nervosa (AN), which does not meet the full diagnostic criteria for AN. This can include, for example, people who are above a normal weight for their height, people who do not experience the intense fear of gaining weight, and people who do not strictly restrict their food intake. Although atypical anorexia is less well known than AN, it is thought to be just as serious and can be just as difficult to treat.
There is no single cause of atypical anorexia. Instead, it is thought to result from a complex web of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors.
Biological factors that may contribute to atypical anorexia include:
Genetic predisposition: Some people may be more likely to develop atypical anorexia due to their genes. This may be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Brain chemistry: Imbalances in certain brain chemicals, such as serotonin, may play a role in the development of atypical anorexia.
Hormonal factors: Women with AN may have abnormal levels of the hormone ghrelin, which is involved in hunger and fullness cues.
Psychological factors that may contribute to atypical anorexia include:
Body image distortion: People with atypical anorexia may see themselves as overweight, even when they are not. They may be very critical of their bodies and have a strong desire to lose weight.
Perfectionism: People with atypical anorexia may strive for perfection in all areas of their lives. They may have high standards for themselves and feel like they always have to be “on” or in control.
Significant life stressors: People with atypical anorexia may have experienced a traumatic event or a major life change, such as the death of a loved one, a divorce, or a move. These types of events can be triggers for the development of atypical anorexia.
Sociocultural factors that may contribute to atypical anorexia include:
Media influences: The media often promotes unrealistic and unattainable standards of beauty, which can lead to body image dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviors.
Peer pressure: People with atypical anorexia may feel pressure from friends or family members to lose weight. This pressure can be direct (e.g., “You would look so much better if you lost some weight”) or indirect (e.g., “I wish I looked like her”).
The complex web of causes and triggers for atypical anorexia can make it difficult to identify the reason someone develops the disorder. However, it is important to remember that atypical anorexia is a serious illness that requires professional treatment. If you think you or someone you know may have atypical anorexia, please seek help from a qualified mental health professional..Find Out More
The personal journeys of atypical anorexia sufferers.
Atypical anorexia sufferers are those who do not fit the mold of the traditional anorexia nervosa sufferer. For example, they may be older, male, of normal weight, or have a history of obesity. They may also have a different set of mental health problems than those typically seen in anorexia nervosa sufferers.
Atypical anorexia nervosa sufferers often have a hard time getting diagnosis and treatment because their symptoms don’t fit the traditional profile. This can be frustrating and even dangerous, as untreated atypical anorexia nervosa can lead to serious health problems and even death.
If you or someone you know is struggling with atypical anorexia nervosa, it’s important to seek professional help. While the journey to recovery may be different for everyone, there is hope and help available.
Visit mengeredstoo.co.uk to learn more about atypical anorexia. Disclaimer: We used this website as a reference for this blog post.