Specific eating disorders - selected aspects of pathogenesis and risk factors

Abstract

Although research into the aetiology and pathogenesis of eating disorders has been ongoing for many years, it has not yet been possible to identify all the factors responsible for their development. Current research does not focus on a single risk factor, but looks for correlations between them. This article presents selected aspects of the pathogenesis and risk factors of specific eating disorders. Family and individual factors, social and cultural factors, and biological factors are described. Particular attention has been paid to the aspect of parenting styles and behaviours exhibited, e.g. excessive punishment and emotional coldness. The coexistence of personality disorders with specific and non-specific eating disorders is also described. The social aspect highlights the development of social media and their impact on self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, and promotion of pathological thinness. Cultural factors include progressive "westernisation" and the rapid increase in the prevalence of eating disorders in the areas of the world where they did not previously exist. Among biological factors, publications on appetite neuromodulators, genetic factors, gut microbiota disorders, and the so-called brain-gut axis were analysed. Modern science is not as yet able to answer the question of which of the mentioned factors has the greatest impact on the development of eating disorders, however, ongoing research offers hope for effective treatment of these diseases in the future. Knowing the factors predisposing to their occurrence will allow early identification of risk groups and undertaking preventive and therapeutic actions, including psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy.