Anorexia could be caused by a genetic brain disorder shared by sufferers of autism and Asperger's syndrome, according to a leading psychiatrist.
Rather than being solely a result of young girls feeling pressured to become thin, Prof Janet Treasure thinks the illness may be triggered by inherited problems with mental processing which can often be spotted in childhood behaviour.
She has found sufferers of anorexia share traits with people who have autism, such as an inability to change rules they have set themselves, perfectionism and a tendency to fixate on details.
Prof Treasure, the head of the Eating Disorders Unit at the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust and a professor in psychiatry at King's College London, believes children who suffer these traits may develop an eating disorder in later teenage years when combined with social or cultural factors.
A recent survey found more than 20 per cent of anorexic patients could be described as having a disorder on the autism spectrum.
Anorexia has been described as "the female form of Asperger's", a milder form of autism in which sufferers have difficulty communicating and maintaining social relationships.
Prof Treasure said: "Examining other family members is very important, especially when there is another young woman in the family.
"The children of women who themselves have had an eating disorder are particularly interesting, as comparing patterns of the illness across generations can enhance our understanding of environmental as well as genetic factors and how they interact."
• Prof Treasure is seeking participants for research projects into all aspects of eating disorders, including a comprehensive support programme for carers.
If you think you could help, contact Frankie Bishopp on 020 7188 0186 or email f.bishopp@iop.kcl.ac.uk. More information at Kings College London - Institute of Psychiatry
