Anorexia Nervosa (cont.)

Medical Author:

Roxanne Dryden-Edwards, MD

Roxanne Dryden-Edwards, MD

Dr. Roxanne Dryden-Edwards is an adult, child, and adolescent psychiatrist. She is a former Chair of the Committee on Developmental Disabilities for the American Psychiatric Association, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, and Medical Director of the National Center for Children and Families in Bethesda, Maryland.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Anorexia Nervosa Causes

A variety of psychological, genetic, biological, developmental, and societal factors may contribute to developing this condition. Anorexia nervosa may be encouraged because of our society's emphasis on thinness and weight loss, especially in women.

• Genetic risk factors for developing anorexia nervosa may occur.
• Some evidence suggests differences in brain chemicals in those who develop anorexia.
• Having a history of feeding problems as an infant, a pattern of under eating, or having a mother who suffers from depression seem to be associated with developing anorexia.
• Anorexia is more common among teenage girls and women involved in gymnastics, ballet, or modeling, in which being thin is thought to be a benefit.
• Having high self-esteem and a mother with a higher body mass index seem to be associated with the prevention of anorexia.