Introduction
Discussions regarding the source of mental health disorders often relate to the long-lasting debate about the impact of nature and nurture on one’s well-being. Relying solely on either approach provides a distorted picture, unfit for application at scale. In the case of eating disorders, these conditions require an in-depth analysis of one’s microbiota, dietary patterns, and other related aspects (Himmerich et al., 2019). The diagnosis cannot be reached without an all-round assessment of both inherent and external problems.
Causes of Eating Disorders
First, the influence may stem from genetics, which can cause this condition by affecting either the brain or gastrointestinal functions. There are hereditary traits that determine how an individual’s body reacts to specific nutrients, as well as how one’s neurons reflect metabolic processes (Himmerich et al., 2019). The source of eating disorders may come from a person’s nature.
However, these modifications in an individual’s expected behavior may also result from the organism’s response to environmental factors and social and cultural pressures (Kring & Johnson, 2021). Constant stress and the inability to establish or follow a suitable diet are common reasons behind this issue. The distortion of the person’s perception of their body may result in significant changes as well. Furthermore, there are culture-wide expectations placed upon women, such as being thin, which lead to body-shaming and may cause eating disorders (Kring & Johnson, 2021). Thus, this category of mental health conditions challenges physicians to assess a wide variety of influences.
Conclusion
In summary, depending on the patient, the source of their eating disorder can come from psychiatric genetics, environment, nutrition, dietary habits, and numerous other factors. Both nature and nurture are significant in the presence of this condition. Individual experiences and social and cultural norms can lead to an individual’s misplaced pursuit of an unreachable physical state, thereby contributing to the development of this type of disorder.
References
Himmerich, H., Bentley, J., Kan, C., & Treasure, J. (2019). Genetic risk factors for eating disorders: An update and insights into pathophysiology. Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology, 9.
Kring, A. M., & Johnson, S. L. (2021). Abnormal psychology: The science and treatment of psychological disorders (15th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.