In our recent research, it has become apparent that genetic hypersensitivity and high intelligence levels are common denominators in the predisposition to CNC. Although the predisposition to CNC begins early in life, the CNC “carrier” does not necessarily have to develop an eating disorder, or any other obvious symptoms. Other possible self-negating manifestations of CNC may include depression, anxiety behaviors such as, panic disorders, phobias and obsessive compulsive manifestations, or somatic disorders (including any other way such victim may internalize his pain). An individual can have several of these symptomologies simultaneously with or without an eating disorder being one of them. Although eating disorders are of particular concern given their debilitating effects and high mortality rate, the eating disorder is the symptom; CNC is the affliction we strive to cure.

CNC can and does occur in both sexes at any age from the crib to old age.