Eating Disorders: Anorexia Nervosa Overview

Eating Disorders (ED)

• EDs were not included in the DSM until 1980.
• Not classified as a specific disorder class until DSM-IV.
• EDs include: Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge-Eating Disorder.

Anorexia Nervosa (AN)

• Definition: Loss of appetite due to emotional reasons. (Note: People with AN aren't actually losing their appetite, but are preoccupied with food because of starvation).
• Criteria (4):
  • Refusal to maintain healthy body weight (less than 85% of expected weight for age and sex, or BMI < 18.5).
  • Intense fear of gaining weight and being fat.
  • Distorted body image (feel "fat" even when emaciated).
  • Amenorrhea (loss of menstrual period).
• Subtypes:
  • Restricting: Weight loss solely through severely limiting food intake.
  • Binge/purge: Fluctuate between binge eating and purging (e.g., vomiting, using laxatives) for weight loss.
• Facts:
  • Onset typically in early to mid-teens.
  • Often triggered by dieting or stress.
  • Women are 10 times more likely to develop the disorder.
  • High comorbidity with other disorders like depression, OCD, phobias, panic disorder, alcoholism, and personality disorders.
  • Significantly higher suicide rates (5% completing, 20% attempting).

Physical Impact of AN

• Starvation and laxative abuse can lead to:
  • Decreased heart rate
  • Kidney and gastrointestinal problems
  • Loss of bone mass
  • Brittle nails, dry skin, hair loss
  • Lanugo (fine, soft hair growth on body).

Bulimia Nervosa (BN)

• Often triggered by stress, negative emotions, food restriction/dieting, or avoiding a craved food.

Physical Impact of BN

• Menstrual irregularities
• Potassium depletion (from purging)
• Electrolyte depletion (leading to cardiac irregularities).
• Loss of dental enamel (from vomiting).

Binge-Eating Disorder (BED)

• Recurrent episodes of binge eating (at least once a week for three months).
• Binge episodes include at least three of these characteristics:
  • Eating more rapidly than normal
  • Eating until uncomfortably full
  • Eating large amounts when not hungry
  • Eating alone due to feeling embarrassed.

Facts about BED

• Associated with obesity and a history of dieting.
• Risk factors include childhood obesity, teasing about weight, low self-esteem, depression, and childhood trauma (physical or sexual abuse).

Physical Impact of BED

• Associated with obesity-related problems:
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Breathing problems
  • Other physical ailments.
• Problems independent of obesity:
  • Sleep problems
  • Anxiety/depression
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Early menstruation in women.

Cognitive Behavioral Factors of AN, BN, and BED

• Excessive focus on body dissatisfaction and fear of becoming fat.
• These factors powerfully drive behaviors (e.g. weight loss measures)
• ED behaviors can be negatively reinforcing, reducing anxiety about weight gain.

Treatment of EDs

• Hospitalization is often necessary for weight restoration, especially in AN.
• Includes:
  • Antidepressants
  • Psychotherapy
  • Family therapy
  • Assertiveness training (to deal with criticism and demands).
  • A two-tiered approach for AN (weight restoration followed by long-term weight maintenance).

This quiz delves into the details of Eating Disorders, specifically focusing on Anorexia Nervosa. Learn about its definition, criteria, subtypes, and the facts surrounding its onset and triggers. Test your knowledge on this critical mental health issue affecting many individuals.