Genetic disorders remain a largely grey area due to the complexities associated with the studies of the human genome, yet drawing connections between known disorders and genetic dysfunction will allow understanding the mechanisms of some of the diseases significantly better. In her 2002 study, Cynthia Bulik (DeAngelis) considers the possible correlation between anorexia nervosa and an individual’s genetic makeup. The author effectively proves that the development of anorexia nervosa may occur not only due to the exposure to the social pressure of beauty standards, but also the presence of a genetic predisposition.
The study was conducted as a cross-sectional analysis and included the assessment of 192 family groupings. As the study progressed, the sample size was reduced to 37 participants, which were expected to represent the target population (DeAngelis). With the help of the further mixed method research and a combination of the qualitative and quantitative analysis, the presence of both genetic and sociocultural factors leading to anorexia nervosa in patients was proven.
The results of the study indicate that the approach toward treating anorexia nervosa in patients can be shaped to locate the problem at the earliest stages of an individual’s development, possibly, even before birth. Thus, the key threats that may serve as the causes of anorexia nervosa development can be removed from the patient’s setting. As a result, the threat of the eating disorder in question affecting the lives of people genetically predisposed to it will be minimized. Since eating disorders and especially anorexia nervosa affect a wide range of people and are reinforced by the current beauty standards, the introduction of a prevention and treatment model based on genome studies is a highly welcome change.
Work Cited
DeAngelis, Tori. “A Genetic Link to Anorexia.” APA.org, 2021. Web.