Anorexia: Understanding the Disorder

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Questions and Answers

What is a potential physical consequence of bulimia related to dental health?

Cavities

Enamel erosion (correct)

Teeth whitening

Gum disease

Which of the following is NOT a identified symptom of bulimia?

Eating quickly and excessively

Feeling out of control while eating

Feeling anxious

Weight gain (correct)

What role does a psychologist or psychiatrist play in the treatment of bulimia?

Assist in replacing unhealthy beliefs with positive ones (correct)

Recommend dietary supplements

Prescribe medication to ensure weight loss

Design an exercise program

Which of the following can be both a risk factor and a possible outcome of bulimia?

High blood pressure Signup and view all the answers

Which nutritional approach is recommended for individuals recovering from bulimia?

Balanced meals with sufficient nutrients Signup and view all the answers

What is a common psychological issue associated with the desire to be thin?

Poor self-image Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment method is not typically part of an eating disorder recovery plan?

Rapid weight loss dieting Signup and view all the answers

What behavior is characteristic of Bulimia Nervosa?

Binge eating followed by purging Signup and view all the answers

What is one consequence of low self-esteem in relation to body image?

Dissatisfaction with body image Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is least likely to influence the development of Bulimia Nervosa?

Peer support Signup and view all the answers

What is recommended for calcium intake in the treatment of eating disorders?

Increase to prevent osteoporosis Signup and view all the answers

What strategy should a person follow to adhere to their therapy plan?

Stick to the therapy plan without skipping sessions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms is NOT associated with Bulimia Nervosa?

Consistent under-eating Signup and view all the answers

What psychological issue is primarily associated with anorexia?

Obsessive-compulsive tendencies towards exercise Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a sign or symptom of anorexia?

Increased appetite Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about the motivation behind anorexia?

It is solely about food intake Signup and view all the answers

Which behavior is indicative of distorted body image in anorexia?

Intense fear of gaining weight Signup and view all the answers

What physical consequence can result from long-term anorexia related to menstruation?

Absence of periods leading to potential infertility Signup and view all the answers

What environmental factor can contribute to the development of anorexia?

Societal emphasis on thinness Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a characteristic behavior of someone with anorexia?

Frequent social gatherings for meals Signup and view all the answers

What biological predisposition may contribute to anorexia?

Genetic tendency towards perfectionism Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

ANOREXIA

Psychological disorder: Loss of appetite
Slimming disease: Voluntary starvation and emaciation
Low BMI: Characteristic
Obsessive about weight loss: Sign of achievement and self-discipline
Weight gain: Loss of self-control
Usually affects women: Begins in adolescence and early adulthood
Not about food: Emotional issues
Definition: Voluntary starvation and emaciation; obsessive about weight loss, viewing it as a measure of achievement and self-discipline.

Anorexic Behavior and Characteristics

Weight loss: Leading to a loss of 85% of normal weight for the person's age and height
- Vomiting: Food leaves the body before digestion
- Laxatives, Diet pills, Starvation, Excessive exercise, Weighing kilojoules
- Secrecy and denial, Restricted food intake
Distorted body image:
- Think they are fat, Wear baggy clothes
- Intense fear of gaining weight, Refusal to eat
- Lying about food consumed

Act Differently

Moody or depressed
Not sociable
Refusal to eat
Irritable
Lack of emotion
Hunger denial
Obsessive about food and weigh themselves continuously

Signs and Symptoms

Dry, brittle skin and hair; Excessive thinness
Abnormal blood count; Dizziness and fainting
Low blood pressure; Irregular heart beat
Sleeplessness; Fingertips turn blue (sensitivity to cold)
Fine, downy hair (lanugo) develops on body; Cold feet and hands
Heart problems; Constipation
Dental problems; Osteoporosis
Dehydration; Amenorrhea (missing periods at least three consecutive months)

Biological

Genetic predisposition: some people may be genetically prone to perfectionism, sensitivity and perseverance.
Serotonin (brain chemical): may play a role in depression

Psychological

Obsessive-compulsive personality: able to stick to a strict diet and refuse food even when hungry.
Extreme perfectionism: never believe they are thin enough
Low self-esteem

Environmental

Society emphasizes the importance of a thin body
Media constantly uses thin models/actresses/actors
Success and self-worth often equated with thinness
Peer pressure encourages the desire to be thin

Treatment

Medication (anti-depressants) and a healthy eating plan
Hospitalization (re-feeding process)
Counseling (doctors, dieticians, psychologists)
Therapy sessions (no skipping)
Support group (EDSA)
Increase calcium intake (to prevent osteoporosis)

Bulimia Nervosa

Potentially life-threatening eating disorder
Repeated episodes of binge eating (large amounts within 2 hours) followed by behaviors to prevent weight gain

Two Ways of Preventing Weight Gain

Person frequently vomits or misuses laxatives after bingeing
Person uses other ways of getting rid of calories (e.g., fasting)

Causes of Bulimia

Dissatisfaction with body image; Low self-esteem
Obsessive focus on weight and body build; Blaming themselves for faults they perceive in themselves

Symptoms and Behaviors of Bulimia

Distorted body image (obsession with weight/build)
Binging (without gaining weight – fear of gaining weight)
Feeling out of control with respect to eating habits
Binging (to the point of discomfort or pain)
Bathroom visits after meals (vomiting: misuse of laxatives, diuretics or enemas)
Use of dietary supplements/herbal products for weight loss
Teeth erosion (acid dissolves enamel)
Sore throat; swollen salivary glands; Fatigue
Kidney problems; Oedema (swelling)
Muscle weakness; Constipation; Headaches (sodium chloride loss)
Anxiety; Feeling like hiding something (covering up)

Bulimia Treatment

Assistance from psychologist or psychiatrist
Replace unhealthy beliefs with positive ones
Learning behavioral skills to control stress and build relationships
Help from family members to support the person
Healthy balanced meals sufficient carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals
Maintaining a healthy body weight (information)
Medication (antidepressant) with psychotherapy to reduce symptoms of bulimia

Identifying Binge Eaters

Feeling eating is out of control
Eating too much quickly
Eating until uncomfortable
Eating even when not hungry

Bulimia Risk Factors

High blood pressure; Diabetes; high cholesterol; Gall bladder issues; Heart disease; Cancer
Purging leads to dehydration; Tooth decay; sore throat; broken blood; problems with diuretics; Chronic constipation

Additional Bulimia Information

Eating alone (secrecy)
Shame/disgust after binge (self-loathing)
Feelings of guilt or depression after bingeing

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Description

Explore the complex psychological disorder of anorexia, characterized by voluntary starvation and an obsession with weight loss. This quiz covers its symptoms, behaviors, and emotional factors, providing insight into how it predominantly affects young women. Test your knowledge on this critical health issue.