The Release of ANGI Study Results - what this means in the understanding of Anorexia Nervosa

This week, the results of the Anorexia Nervosa Genetics Initiative Study were released. The study results were sourced from a pool of almost 17,000 cases of people with diagnosed Anorexia Nervosa, the largest study ever to be done on the genomes behind Anorexia, internationally.

The results of the study found a staggering eight significant genetic markers for anorexia, along with there being particular genetic correlations with other mental health disorders – namely Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).

This is massive, a revolutionary result that changes the way that clinicians, sufferers, survivors, and those impacted by the disorder perceive the deadliest psychiatric illness around.

Professor Cynthia Bulik, along with her colleagues, have put in such an amazing effort, and the outcome they have worked tirelessly to produced should be greatly commended – searching for a genetic needle in the haystack that is the human DNA is a tremendous feat, and they found eight needles; even better.

Now, for my personal response to this news. Having suffered from this illness for over seven years, I know first-hand the devastation and trauma that this illness causes, and recognise the importance and need for us to further understand the exact nature of this illness that effects more than we would like to admit.

I am, and will forever be, a huge advocate for informed research participation done by credited researchers and institutions that has the ability to provide valuable outcomes that will influence healthcare and the understanding of the human body. I participated in this study a few years ago now, and am delighted to finally get the results, and to see that so many others like me contributed to Cynthia & her colleagues’ efforts.

I would like to remind sufferers of Anorexia, that just because there are genetic markers for our disorder it does not mean that we are stuck with it… that we should give up on the idea of recovery… that there is no point in trying because “it is who we are”. Just because there are genetic connections to anorexia does not mean that we give up our fight against the illness and living our lives beyond the constraints of anorexia. No; we fight even harder.

Parents of those with children who have Anorexia, to not feel any thoughts or feelings of guilt toward carrying genetic markers for the illness. In many cases, the trigger and development of this illness is not your fault – some genetic markers have their trigger flicked while others don’t… there is a large element of chance in what flicks occur. Continue to fight for, and support your child. Give them motivation, remind them of the meaning of living a life beyond anorexia, remind them that they are not “destined to be anorexic” and that this does not automatically mean the disease is terminal.

Experts, professionals, and healthcare providers to those with Anorexia; take time to educate yourself about this study, and what this means in the treatment delivery that you provide. Probe for deeper questions, and search for those answers. Provide support to those will undoubtedly question their hopes and prospects of recovery from their illness.

The public; think twice before you say we are “attention-seeking”, or just doing this to be thin, or that it is “just a phase”, or that we just want to “fit in and be liked”. I can think of many other ways to achieve any of those that don’t absolutely destroy my body and mind. We do not need, nor deserve, these thoughts. They are not true, and never have been. Let this be the strong reminder to consider your automatic assumptions about people who suffer other mental illnesses too – depression, anxiety, personality disorders, schizophrenia, other eating disorders.

I have said this before and I will say is again: Anorexia does not need to be my life – in fact, it will not be my life. Regardless of whether I personally carry any markers for Anorexia in my DNA, this will not change my efforts in fighting, and winning, the daily battle that is Anorexia.

Do you know what else is in my DNA? What else my parents passed down to me? My amazing height and blonde hair, my courage and fierce independence, my ability to go against the grain and speak out for those who cannot, my intelligence and ability to battle the thoughts that plague my head.

Anorexia may be in my genes, but it will never be ME.

- Rawing Meg, xx