Over the last decade or more there has been increased attention to the contribution of genetic factors in eating disorders. Strong evidence supports a role for genes in risk for developing anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa – with genes accounting for as much risk in developing eating disorders as they do for schizophrenia. There has also been a belief that if researchers promote awareness of these findings, this would decrease stigma associated with eating disorders.
Recent studies have documented that individuals with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa are viewed as being more to blame for their condition than are individuals with schizophrenia. Further, the general public seems more aware of the role of biological factors in the development of schizophrenia compared to anorexia. Essentially, the argument has been that if everyone was more aware of genetic factors in the development of eating disorders, they would not blame patients for having eating disorders because people cannot control their genetic make-up. While the findings regarding genetic contributions are solid, and the potential benefit of increasing awareness of these results laudable, I wonder about the implicit assumption hidden in this approach.
