Anorexia nervosa and familial risk factors: a systematic review of the literature

Abstract Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is a psychological disorder involving body manipulation, self-inflicted hunger, and fear of gaining weight.We performed an overview the existing literature in field AN, highlighting main intrafamilial risk factors for anorexia. We searched PubMed database by using keywords such as “anorexia” “risk factors” “family”. After appropriate selection, 16 scientific articles were identified. The AN identified include: increased family food intake, higher parental demands, emotional reactivity, sexual taboos, low familial involvement, discord, negative history Eating Disorders (ED), psychiatric disorders, alcohol drug abuse, having sibling with relational trauma. Some other relate to mother: lack maternal caresses, dysfunctional interaction during feeding (for IA), attachment insecurity, dependence. Further studies are needed, identify better personalized intervention strategies patients suffering from AN.