The contributing causes of these include heredity, the environment, and social pressures, much like the factors involved with drug abuse. The presence of a particular gene has been correlated with numerous types of addicted behaviour. In those persons who possess this gene, there appears to be a lack of receptors for dopamine in the reward center of the brain. In other words, it is much harder for these people to experience reward. They therefore seek artificial means to stimulate this centre of the brain, through either compulsive behaviours or drugs.
Men are more likely to be compulsive gamblers than women.
Eating Disorders There are numerous types of eating disorders, with each one exhibiting particular compulsive behaviours. Anorexia refers to a compulsive behaviour characterised by excessive fasting and weight loss in an attempt to control body size. Compulsive overeating is the opposite of the above two, in which persons compulsively overeat and do not care about the weight gain that results. In both anorexia and bulimia, the patient may become malnourished and suffer excessive weight loss resulting in impaired health and even death.