The Genetic, Environmental, and Sociocultural Factors in Eating Disorder Relapse, and Opportunities for Prevention
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2022-05-20Author
Sperrazza, Noelle
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Eating disorders rank among the top 10 causes of disability among women,
thereby emphasizing the profound impacts of bulimia and anorexia nervosa on both the
female population and society as a whole. Their etiology shows support for a
combination of genetic, environmental, and sociocultural factors in the development and
maintenance of the mental disorder(s). Fewer studies have explored, however, the
circumstances under which one might be prone to relapse, as opposed to a full recovery
post-treatment. In this literature review, the nature versus nurture debate highlights some
of the hereditary and acquired risk factors for eating disorders (Mazzeo et al., 2009), as
well as their impact on levels of severity (Polivy & Herman, 2002). Treatment techniques
such as stepped-care models of intervention, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and
family-based therapy (FBT) vary by type of eating disorder (Treasure et al., 2021);
however, research pertaining to the extent of their promise and long-term effectiveness
must be further investigated. Findings reveal that 20% to 50% of those with eating
disorders will suffer from relapse (Keel et al., 2005), but predictors of this must continue
to be explored. Risk factors leading to relapse seem to point toward 1) the extent of body
image disturbance as well as 2) overall worse psychological function, but such findings
require further support.