Risk Factors in the Development of Anorexia Nervosa according to Young Former Patients.

Abstract

Introduction: There is no consensus about the risk factors specific to anorexia nervosa. Multiple studies establish elevated perceived pressure to be thin, body dissatisfaction and negative affect as the main risk factors. Risk factors seem to be related not just with sociocultural and individual dimensions but also with family issues. However, little is known about their relative contributions. Objective: The aim of the study is to understand how young former patients perceive the emergence of anorexia nervosa. It will be explored specifically what risk factors are mainly identified by former patients. Methods: Using a qualitative method, 20 semi-structured interviews with former patients were conducted. This study is integrated in a larger study about trajectories of recovery. Data were analyzed following the procedures of Grounded Theory. r esults: If some participants conceived the phenomenon as related to the pressure to be thinner (7 in 20) and start the restrictive diet after school prevention actions about eating behaviors, others (8 in 20) conceived the phenomenon as mainly related with socio - family factors, namely family opposition to personal choices, communication difficulties, presence of criticism and high family expectations, family overprotection or disengagement, interpersonal difficulties with peers. A third group (5 in 20) conceived the start of this phenomenon as an unexplained one, more related, in retrospective, with psychological traits (perfectionism and low self - esteem). Conclusions: The results offer clues to reflect about health prevention programs, namely the possible paradoxical effect of school prevention strategies centered in eating behaviors, and the importance of the involvement of the family in prevention actions.