Pamela S. Chally, PhD, RN Dean/Professor University of North Florida College of Health 4567 St. Johns Bluff Rd. S Jacksonville, Florida

Shocking Facts About Eating Disorders  An estimated 8,000,000 people suffer from eating disorders in the United States.  An estimated 3-6% of the serious cases will die - - a far higher death rate than for any other mental illness.  Although most anorexics or bulimics start in their teens, victims range from five years to seventy years old.  The number of males and people of color suffering from eating disorders is increasing.

WARNING SIGNS!! of Anorexia- self imposed starvation  Deliberate self starvation  Intense fear of gaining weight  Plans and cooks elaborate meals  Refusal to eat, except for tiny portions  Denial of hunger  Compulsive exercise

WARNING SIGNS!! of Anorexia- self imposed starvation  Distorted body image  Cold intolerance  Absent menstruation (primary & secondary)  Hair loss and/or fine, downy hair on body  Wears loose, baggy clothing  Dizziness and headaches

WARNING SIGNS!! of Bulimia- repeated cycle of out-of-control eating followed by purging  Binge eating, usually in secret  Preoccupation with food  Vomiting after bingeing  Frequent use of the bathroom after meals  Abuse of laxatives, including diuretics, diet pills, or emetics

WARNING SIGNS!! of Bulimia- repeated cycle of out-of-control eating followed by purging  Weight fluctuations  Swollen salivary glands  Broken blood vessels in eyes and/or mini bruises on face  Bruised or callused knuckles  Feeling guilty about eating  Feeling out of control  Dental caries

Biological Psychological Family Sociocultural Abnormal attitude toward weight and shape Extreme Behavior Overeating or Extreme dieting Physiological and Psychological Responses PREDISPOSING FACTORS STRESSORS BINGE AND/OR PURGE CYCLE PRECIPITATING FACTORS PERPETUATING FACTORS

Medical Complications of Eating Disorders Short Term: Osteoporosis Slow heart beat Dehydration Cold intolerance Tooth and gum erosion Inflammation or ulcers of the stomach or esophagus Amenorrhea or menstrual irregularities Low blood pressure (anorexia) High blood pressure (compulsive overeating)

Medical Complications of Eating Disorders Long Term: Infertility Renal disease Liver damage Electrolyte imbalance Seizures Cardiac arrhythmias Death

Psychological Complications of Eating Disorders  Low self-esteem  Body image disturbance  Inability to concentrate  Depression  Obsessive-compulsive disorders  Bi-polar disorders  Attention deficit disorders

 Unrealistic representation of the perfect body continues  Unhealthy relationships  Social isolation  Treatment costs  Work absences  Lost of potential of 5-10% of the female population

 Female, middle or upper social class  Family history of eating disorder, depression, or obsessive compulsive disorder  Overly compliant  Desires to be in control  Overachiever, perfectionist  Compulsive

 Denies feelings  Low self esteem  Is or has been dieting  Has trouble with close relationships  Participates in body conscious sports or activities  Recent family crisis

Jane is a 13-year-old whose grades have been excellent and whom the teachers describe as a “model student.” Recently some of Jane’s friends have expressed concern to the school nurse practitioner that Jane has begun to “jog” at lunch time and seldom eats with them. Jane has told her friends that she has gained weight over the winter months and that she is “jogging” because she wants to qualify for the track team this spring. Case Study: Anorexia Nervosa

The Anorexic Client Nursing Care Plan Nursing Diagnosis: Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements related to self-starvation. Goal 1: Will consume nourishment adequate for weight gain Goal 2: Will follow behavior-modification plan (if implemented) Goal 3: Will reduce energy expenditure

The Anorexic Client Nursing Care Plan Nursing Diagnosis: Disturbed body image related to altered perception Goal 1: Will express self in acceptable ways Goal 2: Will receive adequate support Goal 3: Will receive assistance in altering distorted self-image

The Anorexic Client Nursing Care Plan Nursing Diagnosis: Ineffective coping related to unrealistic perceptions Goal 1: Will conform to therapeutic program Nursing Diagnosis: Readiness for enhanced family coping related to ambivalent family relationship Goal 1: Will recognize disturbed pattern of family interaction (if applicable)

Regular physical monitoring by a medical doctor who understands eating disorders Individual therapy Group therapy Family therapy Marital therapy

Support groups Nutritional counseling Special outpatient therapy programs Hospitalization for physical stabilization and concentrated focus on behavioral and emotional growth