Eating disorder portion of the vulnerability to develop eating disorders can be inherited, and there is evidence to show that there is a genetic locus that shows susceptibility for developing anorexia nervosa. About 60% of eating disorder cases are attributable to biological and genetic components. Other cases are due to external reasons or developmental problems. There are also other neurobiological factors at play tied to emotional reactivity and impulsivity that could lead to binging and purging behaviors. Epigenetics: Epigenetic mechanisms are means by which environmental effects alter gene expression via methods such as DNA methylation; these are independent of and do not
Eating Disorder Inventory EDI as well as EDI-2, it has been enhanced to reflect more modern theories related to the diagnosis of eating disorders. It was designed for use with females ages 13–53 years. It contains 91 items divided into twelve subscales rated on a 0-4 point scoring system. 3 items are specific to eating disorders and 9 are general psychological scales that while not specific are relevant to eating disorders. It yields six composites: Eating Disorder Risk, Ineffectiveness, Interpersonal Problems, Affective Problems, Overcontrol, General Psychological Maladjustment. It is also a self-report questionnaire administered in twenty minutes. The Eating disorder symptom checklist (EDI-3SC)