Risk Factors for Anorexia Nervosa

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Abstract
MANY RISK factors have been implicated in the development of anorexia nervosa. These include a family history of anorexia nervosa,1-3 obesity,4 eating and weight concerns,5 affective disorder,1,6-12 substance abuse,9-11,13 and obsessive-compulsive disorder11,12,14; a history of exposure to adverse events and circumstances15-18; and the presence of certain traits such as perfectionism, obsessionality, excessive compliance, and low self-esteem.3,4,12,19 The research findings are difficult to interpret, because most studies have focused on a restricted range of putative etiologic factors; most samples have been recruited from specialist centers; and few studies have included general psychiatric control groups or control groups with other eating disorders.