Chapter 14 BIOL1400 Dr. Mohamad H. Termos Eating Disorders: Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, And Other Conditions Chapter 14 BIOL1400 Dr. Mohamad H. Termos

Overview of Anorexia and Bulimia - Eating disorder: sustained changes in eating pattern along with emotional, and body perception changes - Genetic connection: Identical twins have a higher likelihood of eating disorders than do fraternal twins - Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder

Anorexia nervosa (AN) Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by low body weight with an obsessive fear of gaining weight. Individuals with anorexia are known to commonly control body weight through the means of voluntary starvation, purging, vomiting, excessive exercise, or by using diet pills or diuretic drugs. It primarily affects adolescent females, however approximately 10% of people with the diagnosis are male. Anorexia nervosa is a complex condition, involving psychological, neurobiological and sociological components.

Anorexia nervosa (AN) About 10% die from suicide, heart diseases or infections as a result of AN. May begin as a simple attempt to lose weight - May be triggered by seemingly harmless comment, social stress to look attractive, or stress of leaving childhood.

Profile of the typical person with anorexia nervosa - Female - Middle and upper socioeconomic class - Competitive and often obsessive Conflicting family structures - Refusal to eat enough to maintain an acceptable weight

Treatment of anorexia nervosa Requires a team of physicians, dietitians, psychologists, and other health professionals. Nutrition therapy: - Stops further weight loss - Restores appropriate food habits Slows weight gain - Monitors blood levels of potassium, phosphorus and magnesium

Bulimia nervosa Eating disorder in which the subject engages in recurrent binge eating followed by feelings of guilt, depression, and self-condemnation. The sufferer will then engage in compensatory behaviors to make up for the excessive eating, which are referred to as "purging". Purging can take the form of vomiting, fasting, and the use of laxatives

Bulimia nervosa: Health problems - Demineralization of teeth from exposure to stomach acid - Blood potassium can drop causing heart rhythm disturbances - Salivary glands may swell. - Stomach ulcers, bleeding, and esophageal tears - Constipation from frequent laxative use

Binge-eating disorder - Compulsive overeating - About 40% are males - Consume large food quantities - Depression or anxiety may trigger - Help for the binge eater a. Learn to respond to hunger b. Avoid diets c. Identify personal needs and express emotions