Discuss the role of biological factors in the development of eating disorders

Answer 1

It is logical that brain chemistry and other biological and genetic factors might play a role in the development of an eating disorder because certain personality traits and eating behaviors are determined in part by the nervous and endocrine systems. It is also possible, however, that disordered eating may actually disrupt normal neuroendocrine function. For example, studies show that individuals with eating disorders are often clinically depressed. It is difficult to determine whether clinical depression leads to eating disorders or vice versa (or if another factor is at play). In any case, because medication used to treat clinical depression is often effective in the treatment of certain eating disorders, depression is likely a contributing factor.Scientists are working to identify genes that might influence susceptibility to eating disorders. Studies of identical and fraternal twins have provided evidence suggesting that susceptibility to eating disorders may, in part, be inherited. Although such studies cannot completely differentiate the contribution of genetics from that of environment, some research suggests that the contribution of genetics may actually be greater than that of the environment. How this occurs remains unclear, however.