This article attempts to explain some of the psychological causes and effects of anorexia nervosa. It is not a diagnostic tool or recommendation of any particular treatment modality. If you suspect that you or a loved one is suffering from this disorder, seek advice from a physician or other qualfied health-care practitioner.
According to Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders, Inc. (ANRED), descriptions of anorexia-like illnesses can be found in Egyptian hieroglyphics and ancient Persian writings. Richard Morton first introduced European physicians to the disorder with his medical publications in London in 1689. The history of anorexia reaches far back into the sands of time, and its roots are buried equally deep within the female psyche.
Anorexia Nervosa is a "self-destructive attempt to solve the problems of adolescence"1. Its attractiveness to the self-starver are threefold: 1. it avoids responsibility; 2. gets attention; and 3. gives her an identity2.
Avoiding Responsibility. Adolescence, with its wildly elevated hormonal levels and dizzying physical changes, can be a frightening time. Teenage girls have the additional burden of physicality. Katherine Byrne, whose daughter had anorexia, observed that "whatever victories the proponents of equality for women may claim, it is abundantly evident that a woman is first of all judged by the way she looks - in particular, the way her body looks."3. Although she was writing in 1989, that statement is equally true today. Images of razor-thin, busty models can be found in most popular magazines. In addition, an overabudance of these women are on television shows like "Baywatch," which are largely devoted to satiating the male libido.
There are additional pressures. Parents of anorexics often have exceedingly high expectations for their daughters4. Renowned psychiatrist Hilde Bruch has noted that the inability to measure up leads to low self- esteem5. According to Bruch, the anorexic's feeling of "ugliness" results as much from disappointment with her own achievements and shortcomings as from physical appearance6.
The anorexic often feels out of control, that some external force is torturing her7. My mother, who lost her battle with anorexia at age 49, would often say that God was punishing her. (You can read more about her in "Growing Up With An Anorexic Mother," Parts I and II.) While the victim cannot control much of what is going on around her, she can control her weight. For her, weight loss is equated with achievement, and weight gain with failure8. The behavior often starts off as innocent dieting, but soon becomes compulsive9.
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