What causes an eating disorder?

Most researchers agree that eating disorders are an expression for unresolved psychological conflict. This may be the result of a traumatic life experience, such as physical or sexual abuse, or any life experience that might result in a poor self-image–an individual feeling that there is something “wrong” with them.

Eating disorders are actually a form of substance abuse.

“Individuals who struggle with an eating disorder appear to go through similar addictive cycles to those who suffer with alcohol and other forms of drug abuse. The obsession with food and dieting then becomes a way for eating disorder victims to alleviate inner distress. In other words, their eating disorder becomes a diversion from the negative thoughts or negative life experiences.”

– Harold A. Frost, Ph.D