What Are the Causes and Signs of Anorexia Nervosa in Early Adolescence?

While anorexia nervosa can affect people at any age, it most commonly begins in adolescence. Individuals as young as 10 have shown symptoms of the disorder. Many contributing factors can spur the development of eating disorders early in adolescence. One of the most obvious is the incidence of puberty, which results in dramatic changes to the body and how individuals feel about it. Combined with peer pressure and societal influence to be “skinny,” puberty can drive body image dissatisfaction and possible disordered eating behaviors like AN.

During this time, many teenagers begin to experiment with various kinds of diets, from fad diets like Atkins or keto to caloric restriction, which can be a precursor to disordered eating. This can be exacerbated by activities like wrestling or ballet that make weight a foregrounded issue. All these factors in combination, or alone, can spark anorexia nervosa.

Other things that contribute to the development of common eating disorders in adolescence include:

  • Genetics: Children with one or both parents having an eating disorder are many times more likely to develop one themselves. This can’t be completely reduced to behavioral examples absorbed by the child;research also shows the development of eating disorders is common in twins, indicating there are genetic factors that influence a person’s likelihood to develop an eating disorder.
  • Trauma: PTSD including the response to sexual or physical abuse but not limited to them, is a common trigger for the development of eating disorders. It is common for survivors of trauma to experience feelings of shame, guilt, a lack of self-control, and low self-esteem. To counteract these feelings, disordered eating behaviors including restriction might begin. In fact, studies show as many as 50 percent of people with an eating disorder also experience clear signs of PTSD.
  • Society and the Media: For decades, if not centuries, young people have been subjected to constant exposure to the media’s presentation of “perfect,” “beautiful” bodies. The increased access to television, movies, YouTube videos, and especially social mediahas also helped to further skew perceptions relating to attainable beauty standards. While these platforms don’t necessarily cause eating disorders, they may set an unattainable standard of slimness or weight loss that acts as a prime cause of eating disorders like anorexia nervosa.

 Common Signs of Eating Disorders in Adolescence

1. Body Dysmorphia

A sense of dissatisfaction with one’s body, this often manifests of a feeling of being overweight or “flawed,” even if there is no evidence to support this. Teens may complain and worry about being “fat” or wanting to lose weight.

2. Nervousness Around Food or Fear of Eating

As a way to hide how little they are eating, many adolescents avoid situations where they need to eat in front of others or in public. They might choose to take their meals in their rooms, as well, eschewing the family dinner table.

3. Fad Dieting

An obsession with food and counting calories is virtually always present in cases of anorexia nervosa. They may go from diet to diet or cut out entire food groups in an effort to lose weight.

4. Changes in Appearance

One of the main symptoms of anorexia nervosa is extreme weight loss, although atypical anorexia nervosa sufferers may not lose a noticeable amount of weight. Parents may also notice hair loss, emaciation, swollen salivary glands, and dry hair or skin.

5. Isolation

Concerns over their physical appearance and an obsession with food can cause many teens to withdraw from their usual activities and social engagements. There might also be increased moodiness or mood swings, irritation, and sleep difficulties.

6. Excessive Exercise

While a commitment to staying physically fit through regular exercise is a good habit to adopt, excessive exercise can be an indication of disordered behaviors in adolescents. Parents should look out for an obsession with exercise that doesn’t stop for injuries, illness, inclement weather, or other important commitments.

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