Eating disorders are complex illnesses, impacted by genetic, biological, psychological and socio-cultural factors.
Research is yet to identify a single cause explaining why some people develop an eating disorder. It is much more likely that some people have personal characteristics that make them vulnerable to developing an eating disorder and that the experience of specific life events then trigger the onset of illness. Once the illness is triggered, the resulting changes in thinking can act to maintain the disorder.
“Dieting is the single biggest predictor for the development of an eating disorder”1
Factors that can maintain an eating disorder include dysfunctional thinking and negative thoughts. These thinking patterns, while appearing unreasonable or illogical to a healthy individual, can seem reasonable to the person with an eating disorder. Having depression or anxiety can also help to maintain the eating disorder.
Treatment for an eating disorder often focuses on making behavioural changes to improve health and wellbeing first, before focusing on the underlying causes of the eating disorder. It can take years to develop insight and understanding into why you or your loved one has developed an eating disorder. Sometimes, even in recovery, individuals do not fully understand why they developed an eating disorder.
Parents and families are not to blame for the development of an eating disorder in their loved one. However, the role of parents and families in providing support throughout treatment and recovery is pivotal and can improve treatment outcomes.