Eating Disorders: Anorexia Nervosa Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT a problem associated with obesity?

Breathing problems

Early menstruation in women (correct)

Cardiovascular disease

Type 2 diabetes

What is the primary focus of cognitive behavioral factors in anorexia nervosa?

Desire for emotional support

Focus on body dissatisfaction (correct)

Fear of food-related social situations

Development of healthy eating habits

What is a common treatment for eating disorders that helps in weight restoration?

Hospitalization (correct)

Family therapy

Dieting programs

Antidepressants

Which of the following is a criterion for anorexia nervosa?

Refusal to maintain a healthy body weight Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about anorexia nervosa is true?

Individuals have a distorted body image Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the binge/purge subtype of anorexia nervosa?

Fluctuation between eating binges and purging Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common behavior among individuals with disordered eating?

Dieting Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly defines an eating disorder as per the provided content?

Severe and persistent disturbances in eating behaviors Signup and view all the answers

When was Eating Disorders (ED) included in the DSM?

1980 Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Anorexia' primarily refer to?

Loss of appetite Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a criterion for Anorexia Nervosa?

Eating periodically until full Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the restricting subtype of Anorexia Nervosa?

Severe limiting of food intake Signup and view all the answers

Which mental health issue is NOT commonly comorbid with Anorexia Nervosa?

Bipolar disorder Signup and view all the answers

What physical impact is associated with Bulimia Nervosa due to purging?

Potassium depletion Signup and view all the answers

What frequency defines the binge eating episodes for Binge-Eating Disorder?

At least once a week for 3 months Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for Binge-Eating Disorder?

High self-esteem Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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).

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Description

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.