1. + anorexia nervosa Alex Garcia Period 5 Psychological disorders

2. + Definition. Anorexia basically means “without appetite” This psychological disorder is based on ones fear of gaining weight. Usually is unable to maintain or doesn’t want to maintain the normal weight for their height and body frame.

3. + Associated features  Fear of becoming fat.  Forcing themselves to vomit.  Consuming and abusing the use of laxatives and/or diet pills.  Fast with excessive exercising.

4. + Etiology ∆ Anorexia was first identified in the 1870’s among young girls ∆ Although there is no clear answer on the origins of anorexia. Researchers have come up with some theories.  Such as the lack of serotonin. The calming feel good hormone in the brain which is also linked with depression and can be associated with anorexia. The inadequate amount of serotonin, appears to be related to feelings of hunger than leads to binging. An excess is related to the feeling of fullness which is what leads to anorexia.

5. + Etiology  An excess of dopamine. The action or motivation hormone in the brain. That can cause the anorexics to try and be perfectionist.

6. + Prevalence ∆ In the U.S anorexia is seen among females from 15-24 years of age. ∆ In Western countries anorexia ranged from 0.1% to 5.7% ∆ Non-Western countries 0.05% of psychiatric patients had been diagnosed with anorexia.

7. + Treatment  Even though there isn’t an exact treatment for anorexia. These are some ways to support and help anorexics. Team approach which can include medical doctors, psychologists, counselors, and dieticians. Help them get back into a healthy weight begin to consume more food Most importantly, changing on how they see themselves and how they see food. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56IovPc5ms8&feature=r elated http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56IovPc5ms8&feature=r elated

8. + Prognosis If diagnosed and treated on time one is able to get over the fear of gaining weight. If not 6% of those who suffer from anorexia and are not treated have a risk of dying of starvation. People with anorexia are more like to have medical complications including cardiac arrest and electrolyte imbalances. Suicide is also a cause of death in people with anorexia.

9. + References Myers G, David (2011) Myers’ Psychology for AP. New York, NY: Worth Publisher. AndrewGloriousHealth (2004) Anorexia Possible Explanation and Natural Therapies. http://curezone.com/forums/am.asp?i=370186 http://curezone.com/forums/am.asp?i=370186 MD, PhD Makino, Maria (2012) Prevalence of Eating Disorders. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/487413_3 http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/487413_3 MD Dryden, Roxanne (2012) Anorexia Nervosa: what is the prognosis of anorexia nervosa. http://www.medicinenet.com/anorexia_nervosa/page6.htm# toci http://www.medicinenet.com/anorexia_nervosa/page6.htm# toci

10. + Discussion questions How can one be intrinsically or extrinsically motivated to overcome their thinness obsession? Do to celebrities bringing in the fashion of anorexia, how can we prevent future generations from following their steps?