Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders

• Serious and potentially life-threatening conditions that affect a person's eating habits and perception of body weight and shape.
• Can have severe physical and psychological effects on individuals and may require professional intervention and treatment.

Types of Eating Disorders

• Anorexia Nervosa
• Bulimia Nervosa
• Binge Eating Disorder

Anorexia Nervosa

• Involves an intense fear of gaining weight, resulting in severe food restriction, excessive exercise, and unhealthy behaviors to maintain a low body weight.
• Example: A teenage girl becomes obsessed with losing weight, restricts her food intake, and engages in excessive exercise to maintain a low body weight.
• Assessment guidelines:
  • Determine whether the patient has a medical or psychiatric condition that warrants hospitalization.
  • Conduct a thorough physical examination with appropriate blood work.
  • Rule out other medical conditions.
  • Assess the patient's willingness to receive treatment and educate them on their treatment plan.

Bulimia Nervosa

• Characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating, followed by compensatory behaviors like purging, fasting, or excessive exercise.
• Example: A young man engages in binge eating, followed by purging to compensate for the food consumed.
• Assessment guidelines:
  • Medical stabilization is the first priority.
  • Conduct a thorough medical examination, including laboratory tests (e.g., electrolyte levels, glucose level, thyroid function tests, complete blood count, and ECG).
  • Evaluate for psychiatric comorbidity.

Binge Eating Disorder

• Characterized by recurring episodes of overeating, feeling a lack of control, and significant distress, but without compensatory behaviors.
• Example: A middle-aged woman experiences frequent episodes of binge eating, feeling a loss of control during these episodes, and hides evidence of her binge eating.
• Assessment guidelines:
  • Conduct a thorough physical examination with appropriate blood work.
  • Identify other medical conditions.
  • Evaluate for comorbid psychiatric diagnoses.
  • Assess the patient's self-esteem and its influence on their physical appearance.

Treatments

• Psychotherapy:
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and family-based therapy (FBT) can help individuals address underlying causes and develop healthier thoughts and behaviors.
• Medical Support:
  • In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary to stabilize physical health, restore a healthy weight, and manage any complications.
• Nutritional Counseling:
  • Registered dietitians can guide individuals toward balanced meal plans, teach intuitive eating, and help rebuild a healthy relationship with food.
• Medications:
  • In some cases, antidepressants or mood stabilizers may be prescribed to manage co-occurring mental health conditions.
• Support Groups:
  • Joining support groups or engaging in group therapy sessions can provide individuals with a sense of community and understanding.