...preoccupation with one’s weight, why is it that only certain individuals develop an eating disorder? Socio-cultural influences have traditionally been thought of as the leading cause of disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. However, this explanation alone doesn’t seem sufficient. We are all exposed to the same “thin is in” messaging and to live in a westernized society more or less means residing in a virtually inescapable landscape that pushes thinness as a valuable possession. Yet, anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa affect only an estimated 0.3 to 0.7 percent, and 1.7 to 2.5 percent, respectively, of females in the general population (Berrettini, 2004). Through my research, which...
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...The Gender Differences in Eating Disorders: An Analysis Abstract This paper will provide a critical analysis of the issue of eating disorders in the two genders. It has provided a history of the eating disorders, and how they came to be known. Furthermore, the paper has focused on the issue of eating disorders through an analysis of a number of studies. The studies have focused on providing vital information regarding what influences the different genders to have eating disorders. The females are most likely to suffer from anorexia nervosa, while the males suffer from bulimia. A brief summary of all the key points has also been provided. Thereafter, some important recommendations regarding research in some key areas involving eating disorders has been provided as well. Keywords: Anorexia, Bulimia, Females, Males, Study, Eating Disorders, Gender, Media Introduction Eating disorders have now become part of the current culture people live in. In fact, the eating disorders tend to affect different people regardless of their genders and socioeconomic classes. There is even an overall prevalence that is estimated to be about five percent among the population. Many people have a desire to become thin since it is an issue that is always being highlighted by the media. Some of the popular sources of media that influence individuals to become thin include movies, television shows, and magazines, among others. It is such a pity that the prevailing culture, and specifically the...
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...adults have suffered from eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating. Eating disorders cannot be controlled when it has reached a certain point and could be fatal to the human body. People always blame the media and models for these disorders because the actresses are always so skinny. What people do not know is that eating disorders can be caused by other things rather than the media and models. When people hear that someone suffering from anorexia they automatically think it is because they want to be a model or an actress, when in reality it could be because of emotional reasons. People need to realize that the media is not always the main cause to an eating disorder, they are dangerous to the body, and there are ways to prevent the disorder. Parents of the teens can be a big help to prevent teenagers to obtain such a disorder. Eating disorders are abnormal behaviors dealing with foods which mostly effect high school and college students. These disorders are divided into three categories: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating which they all are the most difficult mental illness to diagnose or cure. There are a variety of reasons doctors cannot cure or diagnose people with these conditions for the simple fact of people being in denial that they have an eating problem. Studies have shown that depression and eating disorders have a connection so doctors often give patients antidepressants for the use of treating the disorders. About eighteen million...
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...What diagnosis does the client have? You must state what you see in the case study that is leading you to believe the client has a particular diagnosis. My client, Andrea, should be diagnosed with Binge-eating disorder (BED). We know this to be an accurate diagnosis by the criteria set in the DSM-5. The DSM-5 describes binge eating disorder as, “eating, in a discrete period of time, an amount of food that is definitely larger than what must people would eat in a similar period of time…and, a lack of control during the episode (American Psychiatric Association., 2013).” Andrea disclosed that during these periods of binge-eating she is eating in private so no one will judge how much she is eating, she will eat until she is uncomfortable,...
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...biological explanation of an eating disorder. [24 marks] Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterised by recurrent binge-eating followed by self-induced vomiting or another compensatory behaviour (purging). One psychological explanation of bulimia nervosa is the functional model which was created by Polivy et al. in 1994. This model suggests that individuals engage in the binge-eating associated with BN as a way of coping with identity problems, particularly those associated with self-image. By overeating the person can attribute any resulting distress to the overeating rather than to the more serious underlying issues associated with threats to their emotional well-being. This led to the view that bulimic binge behaviour was purposeful for individuals dealing with life stressors. The functional model assumes that individuals with BN engage in binge-eating as a way of avoiding identity issues. Wheeler et al. (2001) proposed that negative self-image and a desire to escape from difficult life issues predicted the onset of bulimic behaviour, the consequence of which was a diffuse-avoidant identity style. Individuals in this state feel externally controlled, use emotion-focused rather than problem-focused coping strategies, and avoid the exploration of identity issues. Consequently they maintain a negative self-image and feel socially isolated. Polivy et al. provided evidence for the claim that BN is a functional response in an experimental study of the effects of stress...
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...Thesis Eating disorders have become an increasingly prevalent issue in the United States over the last two decades, it has been estimated that 8 million Americans have an eating disorder – seven million women and one million men, one in 200 American women suffers from anorexia along with two to three out of every 100 American women suffers from bulimia (DMH, 2018). Which is the main concern in the chosen case study of Laura (Wisenhunt, 2007), who is exhibiting symptoms of an eating disorder (ED), more specifically binge eating disorder (BED), due to various culminating factors that are taking place in her life. Throughout Laura’s childhood and especially over the past eight months Laura has been experiencing numerous difficulties regarding...
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...Case Study Project Eating Disorders Kerri-Ann Mirander February 22, 2015 PSY 370I Abnormal Psychology Eating Disorders In today’s world society and the media are seen as a popular source of entertainment, news, even as gossip; everyday people are exposed constantly to the imagines of glamour, what beauty should be, the rich and famous and so much more. Media, social networks and society has so much power that they change a person believes and their outlook on their lives as well as themselves. Images of perfection are repeatedly shown to our young people of all ages, and they all want to be a part of the trend that’s happening. Our young people even ourselves start questioning our bodies and start to feel as though we need to change our bodies in order to fit in with the crowd. Commonly we turn to dieting and working on our appearances which unfortunately in many circumstances lead to eating disorders. Case Study Ellesa is a 19 year old female she is a cheerleader for Texas A&M University. As a child she was a cheerleader for her neighborhood team, she started cheering at the age of 5. When Ellesa entered high school she was 135lbs and 5’4, the varsity team cheerleaders picked on her and gave her the pet name Ms. Piglet. Ellesa did not know how to deal with this as it was silently eating her inside, and depression was starting to take effect. At the tender age of thirteen Ellesa started to over eat and learned how to make herself vomit after, she no longer...
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...articles nature publishing group Intervention and Prevention Behavioral and Psychological Care in Weight Loss Surgery: Best Practice Update Isaac Greenberg1, Stephanie Sogg2 and Frank M. Perna3 The objective of this study is to update evidence-based best practice guidelines for psychological evaluation and treatment of weight loss surgery (WLS) patients. We performed a systematic search of English-language literature on WLS and mental health, quality of life, and behavior modification published between April 2004 and May 2007 in MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library. Key words were used to narrow the search for a selective review of abstracts, retrieval of full articles, and grading of evidence according to systems used in established evidence-based models. Our literature search identified 17 articles of interest; 13 of the most relevant were reviewed in detail. From these, we developed evidence-based best practice recommendations on the psychological assessment and treatment of WLS patients. Regular updates of evidence-based recommendations for best practices in psychological care are required to address the impact of mental health on short- and long-term outcomes after WLS. Key factors in patient safety include comprehensive preoperative evaluation, use of appropriate and reliable evaluation instruments, and the development of short- and long-term treatment plans. Obesity (2009) 17, 880–884. doi:10.1038/oby.2008.571 Introduction Evidence-based best practice...
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...Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by binge eating and purging, or consuming a large amount of food in a short amount of time followed by an attempt to rid oneself of the food consumed, typically by vomiting, taking a laxative, diuretic, or stimulant, and/or excessive exercise, because of an extensive concern for body weight. Many individuals with bulimia nervosa also have an additional psychiatric disorder. Some individuals may tend to alternate between bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa. Bulimia is also commonly accompanied with fasting over an extended period of time. These dangerous, habit-forming practices occur while the sufferer is trying to keep their weight under a self-imposed threshold. It can lead to potassium loss and health deterioration, with depressive symptoms that are often severe and lead to a high risk of suicide. Bulimia nervosa is nine times more likely to occur in women than men. The majority of those with bulimia nervosa are at normal weight. The majority, about 80 to almost 90 percent of individuals with bulimia are women. However, males do develop the disorder and some studies suggest that the prevalence among males is higher than previously believed. Among women, adolescents are the most at risk. A survey of 496 adolescent girls reported that more than 12 percent experienced some form of eating disorder by the time they were 20. Over the years the size and weight of the average woman has increased with improved nutrition, but there...
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...20, 2012 Elizabeth Jorgensen Site Visit Report The Eating and Weight Disorder Center of Seattle (EWDC) is one out of a group of treatment centers in Seattle called Evidence-Based Treatment Centers (EBTC). EWDC offers treatment for different eating and weight disorders. The program does not single out one type of population, as they serve a variety of populations. The disorders that EWDC help their clients with do not stand-alone as they usually lead to medical complications and mental health issues. These concerns were instrumental in determining the opening of the EWDC. It is important that individuals seek help, as it is the first step to recovery. Staff The staff at EWDC includes five licensed psychologists. Angela Doyle and Peter Doyle are both co-directors and licensed psychologists. Co-authoring many articles and book chapters, Dr. Angela Doyle also presents her work at national and international conferences. Dr. Peter Doyle authored and pre-authored numerous articles and book chapters in peer-reviewed journals and delivers invited speaks of eating disorders at notional and international conferences. Angela Davis earned a Ph.D. in clinical psychology worked at Harborview Medical Center on a study evaluating cognitive behavior therapy for over-weight and obese adults with binge eating disorders. She has also received extensive training in the latest version of cognitive-behavior therapy for eating disorder. Dr. Davis has authored and co-authored book chapters and...
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...In today’s society, eating disorders have been found to affect a large number of people. The disorder does not discriminate against gender, age group, or socioeconomic status although it’s more common in the female gender. The three most common types of this psychological disorder include Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge eating. Anorexia is found in a person who refuses to eat or eats a minimal amount to cause severe weight loss. Bulimia involves a person who consumes a large amount of food and then seeks to purge himself of the caloric intake. Most commonly this is accomplished by vomiting. The third type, binge eating, is similar to bulimia accept in this particular case there is no attempt by the individual to compensate for the caloric intake. In the following research paper the causes, clinical findings, and treatment of each of these disorders will be discussed to determine how each varies from one another. Anorexia nervosa is a psychological disorder that is caused by self-induced starvation resulting in severe weight loss. It is considered a psychological disorder because it primarily affects healthy young individuals, mostly commonly young women, who have developed an obsession with becoming thin. It is estimated that 0.5 to 3.7 percent of females suffer from anorexia nervosa in their lifetime (Stunkard, J. A., & Wilson, T., 2008.) The exact cause is not known, but attitudes towards physical appearance and family issues effect its development. Feasting on large...
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...Running Head: EATING DISORDERS 1 Eating Disorders Connie DePlonty Bay Mills Community College EATING DISORDERS 2 Abstract We have all heard the typical stereotypes of the “perfect body.” Who has a perfect body and what does it look like? Are all girls supposed to be tiny and twig-like, and are all guys supposed to have washboard abs? No, and if this were true, that is how we all would have been created. According to the NEDA website (2014) “everyone is different, and that is what makes people interesting, if everyone were the same then we would have no individuality." It is important that the message of being your own person, to embrace your individualism and love who you are gets to young adults and teenagers. When the message does not get across there are serious consequences such as the development of eating disorders. This paper will review the types of eating disorders, history of the disorders, how they may be diagnosed, signs and symptoms and possible treatment options. EATING DISORDERS 3 “Eating disorders are psychological problems marked by an obsession with food and weight. There are four general categories of eating disorders these are; Anorexia nervosa, Binge eating, Bulimia nervosa and a category called (EDNOS) eating disorders not otherwise specified” (Eating disorders - In Depth...
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...DETERMINATION OF EATING DISORDERS OF SELECTED UPLB FEMALE DORMERS INTRODUCTION Background and Rationale A lot of resources give a wide range of definitions of eating disorders. Basically, an eating disorder (ED) defined as a problem with certain eating patterns in line also with manners concerning controlling body mass (Fairburn and Harrison, 2003). In addition to that, Grohol (2013) points out that EDs are very rampant but many families are still not aware of it. Nowadays, EDs could be prevented and even subjected into different treatments. National Institute of Health (2014) have recorded that the value of the women in particular having EDs are two and a half times larger than that of men. These disorders occur usually during adolescent years. Primarily, the reason for this is because girls during puberty stage specifically are more prone to be very aware on their physical appearance. For instance, the ratio of ED cases in the United States are roughly 10:1 and it is fast increasing (The Eating Disorder Foundation, 2013). Philippines, being a third world country, is also running after society’s fashion yet body fit trends. University of the Philippines – Los Banos (UPLB) community including female dormers are having their preferences and lifestyles with regards to food. Dormers, especially new ones are still adjusting at some point when they started settling in their dorms and have encountered various eating dilemmas. Determination of EDs are soon addressed...
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...Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa Comparison Essay Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are eating disorders that involve serious eating practice that are considered to be very dangerous and even fatal if not corrected. These disorders normally occur as a result failure to lose weight through regular dieting and a desperate desire to lose weight. It is believed that eating disorders are caused by a lack of confidence and satisfaction with one’s self-image and an abnormal desire to fit into the modern day profile of perfect body shape and size. Although they are two separate disorders they share many commonalities and differences. They both are believed to have biological, sociocultural and psychological implications that motivate or stimulate the development of eating disorders (Nolen-Hoeksema, 2011). A maladaptive perception of body size and shape is evident in persons suffering from both anorexia and bulimia who believe that they weigh too much and are too fat or too heavy regardless of their actual weight or appearance (Shisslak, Crago, & Pazda, 1990). The major difference between the two disorders is the criteria established by DSM-IV-TR that defines each disorder; for example with anorexia nervosa, the patient refuses to maintain body weight at or above the minimally weight based on their age and height. They have an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat even though they are underweight. They are in denial of the seriousness of their low body weight...
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...have an overall mortality rate almost twice that of non-obese people. They are more than three times as likely to develop diabetes. Obesity is associated with unhealthy cholesterol levels and impaired heart function. It is estimated that if all Americans had a healthy body composition, the incidence of coronary heart disease would drop by 25%. Other health risks associated with obesity include hypertension, many kinds of cancer, impaired immune function, gallbladder and kidney diseases, and bone and joint disorders. These risks from obesity increase with its severity, and they are much more likely to occur in people who are more than twice their desirable body weight. The effects of obesity on health were further clarified by the Nurses’ Health Study, in which Harvard researchers have followed more than 120,000 women for over 16 years. It found that even mildly overweight women had an 80% increased risk of developing coronary heart disease compared to leaner women. This study also confirmed that to reduce the risk of dying prematurely of any cause, maintaining a desirable body weight is important. The distribution of body fat is also an important indicator of future health. People who tend to gain weight in the abdominal area have a risk of coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke twice as high as those who tend to gain weight in the hip area. The reason for this increased risk is not entirely clear, but it appears that fat in the abdomen is more easily...
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