Eating Disorders in Adolescents
Eating disorders (EDs) present as an impairment in eating behaviors. The DSM-5 defines eating disorders as a continued disturbance in behaviors that are related to eating, which leads to significant impairment in the patient’s physical and physiological functioning conditions (American Psychiatric Association 328). Examples of such disorders include binge-eating disorder, anorexia nervosa, rumination disorder, bulimia nervosa, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder. Adolescents are at an increased risk of developing eating disorders. As such, there are several factors that influence the development of eating disorders in adolescence. These factors can be classified broadly into social-cultural, biological, and psychological factors.
The change in societal norms and standards over time has posed a significant effect on the development of eating disorders among adolescents. Societal messages of thinness and the association of thin bodies to beauty in females have driven most adolescents to habits that aim at achieving such body physiques (Bernadetta, and Sitnik-Warchulska 2). Looks and appearances are a bedrock in the development of self-esteem among young girls and women. One of the most significant societal impacts on appearance is the rise and development of technology and media. Family practices such as the type of parenting, empathy, and level of nurturing may also influence EDs in adolescents (Sadock, Sadock, and Ruiz 510).
Nonetheless, sociocultural attitudes towards masculinity and sexual orientations may end up influencing the development of EDs among adolescents. The engagement of children in social activities that involve the use of strength (e.g., wrestling) may increase the increase in several types of eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa. Sadock, Sadock, and Ruiz opine that gay orientations in men may predispose adolescent boys to eating disorders wile lesbianism (511). Cultural practices among different communities may also dictate specific food practices such as avoidance and intake of particular food during particular seasons and stages of life. Other social factors that increase the risk of EDs include low socioeconomic status and the level of urbanization (Schaumberg et al. 13)
Biological factors also play an essential role in determining the development and prevalence of eating disorders among adolescents. Twin studies have shown that genetics may exert influence on the heritability of specific eating disorders in 39-74% of the cases (Salafia et al. 2). Individual biological processes such as dysregulation of neurohormones (e.g., serotonin-transporter-linked polymorphic region and levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine) predispose people to specific EDs. Salafia et al. also identify that the prevalence of genetic mutations in the individual (e.g., mutations in the histone deacetylase 4 and the estrogen-related receptor α) increases the risk of developing EDs (2). Other biological factors include body dissatisfaction and early puberty (due to increased circulating sexual hormones).
Psychiatric and cognitive styles also influence the type and severity of eating disorders among adolescents. Traumatic events during growth and development such as physical abuse and sexual abuse predispose adolescents to higher rates of EDs (Schaumberg et 5). Personalities such as perfectionism and obsessive convulsive personalities also increase the risk for developing psychiatric disorders in the adolescent (Salafia et al. 2). Such individuals develop specific desires and food habits that are formed from deep-seated beliefs and obsessions. Mood disorders, such as major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders, increase the level of EDs among adolescents (Oldershaw et al. 4).
In conclusion, eating disorders are common psychiatric disorders among adolescents. Parents, healthcare providers, and friends to young adults should be vigilant of psychiatric and behavioral changes in adolescents, which will point to the development of EDs. Factors impacting the development of these disorders should be analyzed critically by first categorizing the factors into sociocultural, biological, and psychiatric factors. The combination of these factors increases the level of exposure and severity of the specific eating disorders. Such information also guides other areas, such as treatment and prevention strategies.