Psychology of Eating Disorders Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason cited for the high failure rate of diets in Western societies?

Diets are not compatible with modern lifestyles.

Diets are too varied and difficult to stick to.

Diets often lead to a reset in metabolic rate. (correct)

Diets focus primarily on calorie counting.

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

Intense fear of gaining weight.

Significantly low body weight based on BMI.

Cessation of menstruation in females.

Consistent binge-eating patterns. (correct)

What percentage of the general female population is estimated to develop Anorexia Nervosa at some point in their lives?

Around 5% to 10%.

About 1% to 3%.

Between 9% to 1.4%. (correct)

Less than 0.5%.

What characteristic is common in females with Anorexia Nervosa, but not a diagnostic criterion?

Amenorrhea. Signup and view all the answers

What societal trend is indicated in regard to dieting behaviors between males and females?

Females diet significantly more than males. Signup and view all the answers

In which type of countries is Anorexia Nervosa more commonly observed?

Post-industrialized, high-income countries. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common misconception about dieting?

Diets can lead to long-term weight loss. Signup and view all the answers

Which self-injurious behaviors are commonly associated with severe Bulimia nervosa?

Hitting oneself with an object Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant long-term consequence of repeated vomiting in individuals with Bulimia nervosa?

Rupture of stomach or esophagus Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary first-line treatment for Bulimia nervosa?

High doses of SSRIs such as Prozac Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following complications is NOT commonly associated with Bulimia nervosa?

Thyroid dysfunction Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological aspect is crucial in treating Bulimia nervosa?

Reducing ideation about the need to be thin Signup and view all the answers

Which group is most likely to develop Anorexia nervosa as indicated by the prevalence rates?

Female athletes Signup and view all the answers

What genetic factor is associated with Anorexia nervosa?

Higher concordance rates among monozygotic twins compared to dizygotic twins Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following behaviors is commonly associated with the restrictive type of Anorexia nervosa?

Developing irrational food rules Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of adolescents who develop Anorexia nervosa?

Denial of hunger in significant starvation circumstances Signup and view all the answers

How does Anorexia nervosa often begin?

Through gradual dietary restriction after weight gain Signup and view all the answers

Which statement regarding comorbidity in Anorexia nervosa is true?

Around 70% of patients also suffer from OCD Signup and view all the answers

What role do mothers play in the development of Anorexia nervosa in their children?

They sometimes enable disordered eating through criticism Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about the triggers of Anorexia nervosa?

Stressful life events can initiate the disorder's onset Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic distinguishes the binge-eating/purging type of Anorexia nervosa?

Purging usually occurs through excessive exercise rather than vomiting Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the psychological factors associated with anorexia nervosa?

Powerlessness and perfectionism are frequently reported emotional traits. Signup and view all the answers

What is the peak age range for females diagnosed with Bulimia Nervosa?

15 to 18 years Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of individuals with anorexia nervosa achieve complete recovery?

40% Signup and view all the answers

Which personality disorders are most commonly associated with Bulimia Nervosa?

Borderline, Histrionic, and Narcissistic disorders Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a common physiological symptom of anorexia nervosa?

Brittle nails and always feeling cold. Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated mortality rate for individuals suffering from anorexia nervosa?

10-25% Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate point prevalence of Bulimia Nervosa in the general population for the full syndrome?

1% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is NOT mentioned as a risk factor for developing Bulimia Nervosa?

Genetic factors Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a behavioral sign of anorexia nervosa?

Eating with family regularly. Signup and view all the answers

What underlying abnormalities are suspected to contribute to the development of anorexia nervosa?

Hypothalamic and pituitary abnormalities. Signup and view all the answers

What behavior is commonly used by individuals with Bulimia Nervosa in response to binges?

Purging through various methods Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the reasons associated with the poor prognosis of anorexia nervosa?

Age at first diagnosis. Signup and view all the answers

What is the average weight gain for freshmen during their first three months of college?

4 pounds Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment challenge is most significant in managing anorexia nervosa?

Patients’ willingness to gain weight. Signup and view all the answers

Among college students, what is the approximate point prevalence of Bulimia Nervosa compared to the general population?

10% Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of individuals with Bulimia Nervosa also report having a history of Anorexia Nervosa?

50% Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is associated with both physiological and behavioral manifestations of anorexia nervosa?

Enlarged parotid salivary glands. Signup and view all the answers

What role does brain serotonin play in anorexia nervosa according to current understanding?

It inhibits eating and may relate to the disorder’s development. Signup and view all the answers

What commonly precedes the onset of Bulimia Nervosa symptoms?

Restrictive dieting Signup and view all the answers

What is the connection between Bulimia Nervosa and emotionality in individuals?

They tend to be emotionally impulsive and unstable Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Psychopathology

Copyright 2014, 2018, 2020, 2023, 2024 by Alan J. Fridlund, Ph.D.
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Feeding and Eating Disorders

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): Picky eating or lack of interest leading to weight loss.
Anorexia Nervosa: Significantly low body weight, intense fear of weight gain, distorted body image.
Bulimia Nervosa: Recurrent binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain.
Binge Eating Disorder: Recurrent binge eating without compensatory behaviors.

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

Commonly develops in infancy or early childhood, persists into adulthood.
No apparent sex difference in diagnosis.
Extreme sensory sensitivity to food qualities (appearance, color, smell, texture, taste).
Normal period of food neophobia in 1-3 year olds.
Eating pattern leading to significant weight loss, nutritional deficiency, possible dependence on tube feeding or supplements.
Nutritional deficiencies can result in physical decline and death.
Unlike other eating disorders, there's less emphasis on body image concerns.
May accompany other medical conditions.
More common in children with learning difficulties, ADHD, or Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Treatment includes nutrition counseling, CBT, appetite stimulants, and anti-anxiety medication.

Except for ARFID, Most Eating Disorders Are...

Overwhelmingly female.
Common among family members at a higher rate than the general population.
Often accompanied by anxiety and substance use disorders.
Primarily found in Western countries.
Seem to be related to Western cultural notions of food and femininity.
Rates are increasing in non-Western countries due to Westernization, which brings aspects like increased female participation in the workforce, thinness becoming a status symbol, and exposure to Western media.

Relative Prevalences of DSM-5-TR Eating Disorders in Males vs. Females

Anorexia: 95% female, 5% male
Bulimia: 80% female, 20% male
Binge Eating: 50% female, 50% male

Why Are Eating Disorders Overwhelmingly Female?

In Western cultures, males are more likely to be obese but less concerned with physical attractiveness.
Women's magazines and websites often emphasize physical attractiveness, including food preparation and dieting.
Men's magazines emphasize fitness and body-building.
Weight-loss ads in women's magazines are 10 times more frequent than in men's.
Male athletes in sports focusing on leanness, may show similar rates of eating disorders as females.
Rates may be increasing in males with the rise of "metrosexuality" in the 1990s.

Changed Standards of Female Attractiveness

Historically, the ideal female physique has varied across time periods.

Changed Standards of Male Attractiveness

Historical ideals of male physique have changed.

General Fallacy Underlying Most Eating Disorders: That Dieting Works

Females in Western societies are more likely to diet.
Most diets fail to result in permanent weight loss.
The only effective method for long-term weight management is a healthy lifestyle that includes proper nutrition, meal planning, sleep, and exercise.

Anorexia Nervosa

Limiting food intake to below the necessary requirements for age, sex, development, and physical health, leading to low body weight (BMI <17 kg/m²).
Intense fear of weight gaining or "becoming fat."
Dietary and other behaviors to prevent weight gain.
Body image distortion, overvaluing weight and body image, and/or denial of low body weight.
In females, amenorrhea (cessation of menstruation). In males, loss of sexual desire.

Who Develops Anorexia Nervosa?

Prevalence of .9%–1.4% in general female population; much lower in males.
Occurs across many cultures and is more common in post-industrialized, high-income countries.
May be more frequent in athletes and dancers.
Often begins in adolescence (peak ages 13–18).
Runs in families (MZ concordance 44% vs. 12% DZ). Relatives of people with anorexia nervosa have a significantly higher chance of developing the disorder themselves.
Heritability is estimated to be high (0.5–0.8).

How Does Anorexia Nervosa Begin?

Often starts with picky eating habits during childhood.
Adolescents often exhibit desires for perfection, academic success, social avoidance, and denial of hunger.
Commonly begins with a period of weight gain followed by dietary restrictions and negative comments from peers or parents.

Altered Eating Habits in Anorexia Nervosa

Restrictive type: Obsessive food thoughts, irrational food rules, food rituals.
Binge-eating/purging type: Binge eating followed by excessive exercise, but binging can be small.

What Goes Wrong in Anorexia Nervosa?

Old psychoanalytic view: Food is symbolic; rejecting food is rejecting sexuality. (outdated)
Possible risk factors include hypothalamic and pituitary abnormalities, abnormalities in brain serotonin, and neuroadaptive changes in the brain.

Other Signs/Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa

Behavioral issues: Failure to maintain weight, bathroom use after meals.
Physiological and neurological issues: Dry skin, hair loss, brittle nails, cold intolerance, etc.

Course and Prognosis of Anorexia Nervosa

40% complete recovery (4–7 years).
30% partial recovery with relapses.
30% persistent anorexia nervosa.
Poor social and occupational functioning.
10–25% mortality rate (usually from cardiac complications or suicide).

How is Anorexia Nervosa Treated?

Patient denial is a significant barrier to treatment.
Medical management of related physical illnesses is critical.
Hospital re-feeding (IVs, tubes) may be necessary if weight is severely low. Rapid re-feeding can be dangerous.
Residential treatment, family therapy. Outpatient therapy.
Medications like SSRIs (Prozac) may be helpful for accompanying conditions.

Bulimia Nervosa

Recurrent episodes of binge eating (eating much faster than normal and more than others would in a similar time frame).
A strong sense of lack of control over eating during a binge.
Compensatory behaviors (e.g., purging, fasting, excessive exercise) to prevent weight gain.
Purging (self-induced vomiting, using laxatives, diuretics, or other medications).
Non-purging (fasting and excessive exercise). Typically involves normal or slightly above average body weight.

Bingeing

Consuming significantly large portions of food in a short amount of time.
Associated with a feeling of loss of control.
Usually terminates when the person experiences discomfort, has difficulties eating, is interrupted, or runs out of food.
High-calorie foods are frequently consumed during binges.
A single episode can involve amounts of calories comparable to an adult's daily intake.

Pleasures from binges are followed by guilt & shame.

Who Gets Bulimia Nervosa?

Predominantly affects adolescents and young adults (80% female).
Peak ages: 15-18 (females), 18-26 (males).
High prevalence for people experiencing anorexia nervosa in the past.
High rates in college students.
Weight gain during the first few months of college is common.
Brain studies show abnormalities but the cause-effect relationship is uncertain.

Emotionality and Bulimia Nervosa

Associated with experiences of sexual abuse, chaotic childhood, or family eating disorders.
Significant pressure to maintain appearances.
Higher risk to experience other emotional and personality problems (e.g., borderline personality disorder).
Bulimia and OCD can co-occur.

How Does Bulimia Nervosa Start?

Often triggered by restrictive dieting or failure to lose weight.
In response to binges, compensatory behaviors like purging typically follow.
Prescription diet pills (laxatives, diet pills) are sometimes used.
Cycles of dieting, binging, and purging can occur.

Self-Injurious Behavior

Low self-esteem and impulsivity in Bulimia Nervosa sufferers result in self-injurious behaviors like cutting, burning, punching.

What Is the Damage in Bulimia Nervosa?

Damage from repeated vomiting potentially leading to stomach, esophagus, heart, and tooth damage.
Heart, thyroid, kidney and skeletal damage can occur.
Electrolyte imbalances (primarily potassium).
Higher risk of complications during pregnancy and higher risk of substance use disorders.

How Is Bulimia Nervosa Treated?

First-line treatment involves high doses of SSRIs (e.g., Prozac) to reduce bingeing and purging.
Therapy may include support groups, cognitive-behavioral therapy, self-monitoring techniques, coping mechanisms, and stress management

Binge-Eating Disorder

Most common distinct eating disorder ( >2% of adults, higher in females).
High prevalence among obese populations and people participating in weight loss programs
Associated with binge eating without compensatory behavior for 3 consecutive months.
Loss of control over food consumption
Risk factors commonly include childhood obesity, and family members with food restrictions.

How is Binge-Eating Disorder Handled?

Dieting rarely helps and often worsens the condition, often leading to higher weight.
Associated medical conditions/disorders linked to obesity are common (e.g., high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease)
Treatment involves similar approach as bulimia nervosa (e.g., SSRIs, therapy). Treatment of obesity may also be needed (e.g. behavioral techniques, and medication such as semaglutide).

Semaglutide/Tirzepatide

Medications like Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic), Rybelsus, and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are sold.
Classified as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists.
FDA approved for weight loss for certain populations.
Potential side effects include gastrointestinal problems.

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Test your knowledge on the psychological aspects of eating disorders like Anorexia Nervosa. This quiz covers statistics, diagnostic criteria, societal trends, and common misconceptions related to dieting behaviors. Perfect for students of psychology or anyone interested in understanding these critical issues.