Environmental and Genetic Risk Factors for Eating Disorders: What the Clinician Needs to Know

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Patients and families often are aware of research on genetic factors influencing eating disorders. Accurate interpretations of research on environmental and genetic risk factors can be empowering to patients and families; however, misinterpretations could prove detrimental. Clinicians who are not versed in genetic research may believe they are ill prepared to discuss the nuances of genetic research with patients and families. In this article the authors discuss what is known about genetic and environmental risk factors with an emphasis on gene–environment interplay to improve clinicians' comfort level in discussing these complex issues with their patients.

Section snippets

A plausible scenario of how genes might influence eating disorders

A question commonly posed by clinicians, families, and patients alike is, how do genes work in influencing risk for eating disorders? The lay conception of genetics tends to overemphasize the deterministic aspect of genetic risk. Modeled after mendelian 1 gene–1 disorder examples (eg, Huntington's chorea), the misperception emerges that there is 1 gene for anorexia nervosa and if you have that gene you are destined to develop the condition. Clinicians are well positioned to dispel these myths

Gene-Environment Relationships Potentially Influencing Eating Disorder Etiology

For decades, parenting styles have been unrightfully blamed for causing eating disorders. Considerable care must be taken when discussing G × E interplay not to convey the message that somehow parenting is to blame for these pernicious illnesses. Conversely, a purely genetic explanation should not be taken to mean that parents need not examine their parenting style and the influence it might have on their children. The context for the following discussion is that parenting does matter.

Summary

Although several decades ago there was significant debate about the influence of “nature” versus “nurture” on the development of psychological traits and outcomes, it is now generally accepted that both genes and environment interact to influence personality and behavior. However, in the clinical setting, genetic influences on clients' presentation of their personal histories, including characteristics of their family-of-origin environment, their perceptions of stressful life events, and their

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