Anorexia nervosa is a complex and severe eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of weight gain, an unrelenting pursuit of thinness, and a distorted body image. It often leads to dangerously low body weight relative to an individual's age and height. This disorder is marked by significant physical and psychological consequences, making it one of the most life-threatening psychiatric illnesses.

Symptoms and Physical Effects

Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme dietary restrictions and compulsive behaviors, such as excessive exercise. This results in severe weight loss, malnutrition, and a host of physical symptoms, including thinning hair, brittle nails, dry or yellowish skin, and gastrointestinal issues like constipation. Cardiovascular complications, such as low blood pressure and bradycardia, are also prevalent. Over time, chronic malnutrition leads to thinning bones, hormonal disturbances, and, in females, amenorrhea (cessation of menstrual periods). The mortality rate associated with anorexia is alarmingly high, with causes of death often linked to heart failure, organ dysfunction, or suicide. Anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate among psychological disorders, with approximately 5.6% of individuals dying within 10 years of diagnosis.

Genetic and Biological Factors

Genetic predisposition plays a crucial role in anorexia nervosa. Studies have shown that identical twins are more likely to share the disorder than fraternal twins, indicating a strong hereditary component. Research also highlights the involvement of specific genes that regulate serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood and appetite. Variants that reduce serotonin availability are linked to a 30% increased risk of developing anorexia. These findings underscore the biological underpinnings of the disorder and its interaction with psychological and environmental factors.

Sociocultural and Familial Influences

Sociocultural pressures significantly contribute to anorexia's prevalence. Media portrayals of unattainably thin ideals and societal beauty standards fuel body dissatisfaction, particularly among young women. In addition, family environments characterized by competitiveness, high achievement expectations, and overprotectiveness are frequently associated with anorexia. These dynamics can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and reinforce disordered eating behaviors.

Psychological Vulnerabilities

Anorexia is often rooted in psychological traits such as perfectionism, low self-esteem, and fear of failing to meet personal or external expectations. Individuals with the disorder are frequently preoccupied with how others perceive them, amplifying their anxiety and compulsion to control their weight. These psychological vulnerabilities interact with biological and environmental factors to sustain the disorder, making recovery a complex and multidimensional process.

Prevalence and Gender Disparities

Anorexia nervosa predominantly affects females, with prevalence rates ranging from 0.5% to 3.7% in young women. Most individuals with anorexia nervosa are non-Latina White female adolescents or young adults from well-educated middle and upper-income families. Although less common in males, the condition is equally serious, requiring comprehensive approaches to treatment and prevention. Recognizing the interplay of biological, psychological, and environmental factors is essential in addressing this life-threatening disorder.