People in professions where there is a particular social pressure to be thin (such as models and dancers) were much more likely to develop anorexia during the course of their career, and further research has suggested that those with anorexia have much higher contact with cultural sources that promote weight-loss. There is a high rate of reported child sexual abuse experiences in clinical groups of who have been diagnosed with anorexia. Although prior sexual abuse is not thought to be a specific risk factor for anorexia, those who have experienced such abuse are more likely to have more serious and chronic symptoms (Carter, et.al. 2006). Relationship to Autism -- Psychologists suggested in the 1960s that there might be a relationship between autism and eating disorders, and following several studies in the 1990s, there seemed to be a correlation. Those on the autistic spectrum tended to have a negative outcome with their eating disorder, but may benefit from the combined use of behavioral and pharmacological therapies to diminish autistic symptoms and have a positive effect upon their eating disorders (Gillbert and Rastam, 1995).

Bulimia nervosa -- is an eating disorder that can sometimes be related to anorexia. It is characterized by recurrent binge eating, typically followed by purging, fasting, using laxatives, enemas, and direuetics. The person afflicted is hungry, and does want to eat, but eats out of compulsion rather than to satisfy hunger. There may be a number of rather serious medical symptoms attached to this; chronic gastric reflux, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, oral trauma from forced vomiting, constipation, and peptic ulcers (Russell, 1979).

(Note, will expand this to other types of eating disorders that relate to anorexia).

(Note, will expand treatment and prognosis, issues).

(Is there anything else you'd like me to concentrate on? Like the media, etc.

REFERENCES

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Brumberg, J. (2000). Fasting Girls: The History of Anorexia Nervosa. Vintage.

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Children of Neglect. 30 (3): 257-69.

Coslin, C. (1999). The Eating Disorder Sourcebook. Lowell House.

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