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(KSL News) -- New research suggests the deadliest psychiatric illness may be linked to genes.
Reseachers at the University of North Carolina studied thousands of twins and found a strong biological link to anorexia.
Cynthia Bulik, PhD, University Of North Carolina: "These are not just disorders of choice; indeed, the genetic component is quite large. 56 of liability to anorexia nervosa appears to be dur eo genes and not environment."
Scientists say children with anxiety and depression are at the highest risk of developing the disorder later in life.
Anorexia affects up to two percent of the population, mostly among young women.
Data gathered from the study does not discredit enviroment as a possible cause, but might be what triggers the disease to activate.
Now reseachers hope to pinpoint specific genes.
