For those interested in what is happening in genetic links in eating disorder research there is currently much happening. Several of the subscribe emails I get have talked about the new research projects that are currently happening world-wide. I have provided the links below as well as a couple of paragraphs from the EDVictoria newsletter to give some information about the research.
Research already shows there is a genetic link. However research also shows this is not the only cause of eating disorders. What the genetic research does and will show is the predisposition to an eating disorder and possible/better treatment options. Even you if have the genetic disposition to develop an eating disorder, it doesn’t mean that you will. It is like those with the disposition for alcoholism – not everyone becomes one. It is life, environment, social, cultural, family issues that relate back to the genetic disposition. Eating disorders are incredibly complex, it is not a situation of one simple diagnosis nor simple treatment options.
What is important for anyone caring, treating or trying to understand eating disorders is not to solely say it is a genetic problem only. This can then limit treatment options and or delays treatment. It is not an excuse for families to say that the family environment is not part of the problem or the support they should be giving is not required because it is a genetic problem. Those suffering from eating disorders don’t need another label of ‘genetic problem’ with no support, no therapy into psychological/emotional areas that feed into eating disorders developing.
For example, let’s take my daughter. Yes she has the genetic pre-disposition, both from myself and her father. Our genes created the ‘perfect storm’ situation. My daughter also has the inherent personality traits that are associated with eating disorders. BUT, her social and dysfunctional family environment have impacted her greatly and her ability to cope with such environments means she develops anorexia, instead of depression, drug or drink usage etc. Her father is a major issue with the development of the anorexia, he is not to blame, but it is her ability to cope/not cope with his behavior. Given that, if she came from very different home life, the chances of anorexia developing are much lower, despite her genetic pre-disposition. Without addressing the social and family environment my daughter would have a very tough time trying to recover. If I took the approach of genetic problem only, my daughter would not have received a lot of the support she has had.
Point to take however – families are NOT to blame for someone getting an eating disorder. There is a genetic pre-disposition. You also do the best as you can in family environments. No one sets out to give their child an eating disorder. Also how children perceive their family environment is crucial. That’s a childs personal, individual judgment and perception – out of parents realm and control. So no blame, but families are responsible for changing the environment for the better if they can and if they can’t then there is still no blame. If we all continued to blame our childhood environments for our psychological problems, none of us would ever mature. Recovery, maturity, growth is about taking responsibility for our own lives, REGARDLESS of our family environment. We leave it behind, stop blaming and move forward on our own.
From EDV:
Genetic research so far has revealed that individuals with eating disorders often share genes that reflect certain patterns of neuro-chemical functioning. For example neuro-chemical functioning that results in high levels of anxiety experienced, a common trait we observe in eating disorder (ED) clients. Further research may clarify these patterns. However, previous genetic research on eating disorders, and clinical practice observation of familial patterns of ED occurrence, demonstrate that eating disorders are not hereditary via a ‘single gene’, like for example Huntington’s disease, where genes signify a 50% chance of heritability.
Given the clinical practice evidence we understand that heritability is not an absolute given for eating disorders. Even with common genes identified in the future we should still understand that these genes interact with other risk and protective factors, for example environmental factors, that contribute to the genes being expressed.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-05-24/world-first-study-into-anorexia-nervosa-genetics-links/4710266
Participate in the research project: https://angi.qimr.edu.au/
