Eating disorders are devastating conditions that can be long-term health problems and can even prove fatal. There is no single reason why they develop, but there are a number of possible causes.
Co-existing Conditions
Many people who suffer from an eating condition also have another condition. In some cases, it is physical, such as coeliac disease, diabetes and endometriosis, all of which can lead to disordered eating or concerns around body image.
It may also exist alongside a mental health condition like depression or neurodiversity, autistic spectrum disorder, ADHD or sensory issues. Providing mental health support can be highly valuable. If you are interested in working in a mental health profession, look for training options in your area. You could, for example, search for mental health training courses Milton Keynes to get results like tidaltraining.co.uk/mental-health-training-courses/milton-keynes.
Trauma
Trauma caused by events like an accident or an assault can lead to a sense of no longer being in control. This, in turn, can lead to an eating disorder as a way to cope and feel more in control.
Dance and Sport
While exercise is essential for health, those who are competitive in sport and dance can face strict diet controls. This, combined with a sense on how the body should look in certain dance genres and sports, can lead to concerns around body image and a normalisation of disordered eating.
Family History
Eating disorders are more common if someone else in the family has suffered, with a combination of genetics and family history likely to be to blame.
