What Causes Anorexia Nervosa?

Anorexia nervosa is a relatively rare condition, yet it can cause severe harm to the body. So, what causes anorexia nervosa?

Causes of Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa may stem from familial and environmental factors—for instance, overly strict parental discipline or excessive emphasis on perfectionism; excessive dependence of the child on parents; early-life experiences of abuse or growing up in a single-parent household. Children exposed to such circumstances often display personality traits including social withdrawal, heightened sensitivity, and poor psychological resilience. Additionally, hormonal imbalances—such as decreased estrogen and thyroid hormone levels, or elevated corticosteroid levels—may contribute to its development.

Social factors also play a significant role, particularly an obsessive preoccupation with achieving a slender physique. Individuals may fear weight gain, equating excess weight with poor health and unattractiveness, while perceiving thinness as a symbol of mental strength and aesthetic appeal. Driven by societal expectations and personal ideals regarding body image, they closely monitor their diet and weight. When perceiving a risk of weight gain, they restrict food intake. This pattern is commonly observed among cautious, highly self-disciplined, high-achieving women. Such patients are typically introverted and may exhibit traits including hypersensitivity, suspicion, social isolation, emotional instability, unwarranted self-criticism, and rigid preferences.

We hope that, having gained a basic understanding of anorexia nervosa, you will proactively take preventive measures in daily life. Furthermore, when experiencing psychological stress or emotional burdens, please address them promptly—do not allow excessive pressure to precipitate mental health disorders or physical harm. We hope this article has been helpful to you. Wishing you a joyful life and optimal health!