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

Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is a psychological disorder involving body manipulation, self-inflicted hunger, and fear of gaining weight.We performed an overview of the existing literature in the field of AN, highlighting the main intrafamilial risk factors for anorexia. We searched the PubMed database by using keywords such as “anorexia” and “risk factors” and “family”. After appropriate selection, 16 scientific articles were identified. The main intrafamilial risk factors for AN identified include: increased family food intake, higher parental demands, emotional reactivity, sexual family taboos, low familial involvement, family discord, negative family history for Eating Disorders (ED), family history of psychiatric disorders, alcohol and drug abuse, having a sibling with AN, relational trauma. Some other risk factors identified relate to the mother: lack of maternal caresses, dysfunctional interaction during feeding (for IA), attachment insecurity, dependence. Further studies are needed, to identify better personalized intervention strategies for patients suffering from AN. Highlights: This systematic review aims at identifying the main intrafamilial risk factors for anorexia nervosa, including maternal ones. Intrafamilial risk factors identified mostly regard family environment and relational issues, as well as family history of psychiatric diseases. Family risk factors identified may interact with genetic, environmental, and personal risk factors. These findings may help develop tailored diagnostic procedures and therapeutic interventions.