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Diagnosis and Treatment

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Diagnosis and Treatment
University of Phoenix Axia College

BEH 225
February 27, 2011

Abstract
Eating disorders refer to a group of conditions characterized by abnormal eating habits, which may be excessive or insufficient food intake (Wikipedia, 2011).

Diagnosing Eating Disorders The disorder that I have chosen to write about is Eating Disorders. There are many disorders within this category that include anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating. According to eating disorders the symptoms for diagnosing eating disorders are obsessed with food, body image and weight loss (Healthline, 2011). They may have severely limited food choices, bizarre eating rituals, excessively drink fluids and chew gum, avoid eating with other people, loss of interest in sex, low blood pressure, depressed body temperature, unexplained vomiting, and hair growth of the body or face (Healthline, 2011).
Treating Eating Disorders
There are numerous treatment options that are used for treating this disorder. Through research, it was found that the best ways to treat eating disorders are through therapy and counseling. Therapy is crucial to treating anorexia and bulimia. A therapist can address any feelings of shame and isolation caused by the eating disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most common therapy for eating disorders because it educated about nutrition, healthy weight management, and relaxation techniques (Help Guide, 2011). Nutritional counseling is important to help the person incorporate healthy eating behaviors into their everyday life. Unhealthy eating habits cannot change overnight, but a person can learn a healthier relationship with food overtime through nutritional counseling (Help Guide, 2011).
Alternative Treatment for Eating Disorders Aside from counseling, there are additional ways to treat eating disorders. Some researchers suggest in certain cultures the healing touch, art, and dance to assist in eating disorders. Dancing allows a person to find those feelings and give a name to the pain they cause (Oliciouslife, 2011). The goal of dance therapy is to eventually take those feelings expressed through dance and movement into words (Oliciouslife, 2011). Suffering from an eating disorder, you may find it difficult to express these emotions through words, either spoken or written (Oliciouslife, 2011). Art therapy is an excellent resource that provides you a different outlet for expressing your hidden emotions (Oliciouslife, 2011). Although, eating disorders is not understood completely, there is evidence that proves girls suffering from ADHD have a greater chance of getting an eating disorder, than those not affected by ADHD (Wikipedia, 2011). Anorexia is a disorder in which the affected individual loses the desire to eat (Healthline, 2011). Anorexia is not diagnosed until other weight loss methods are ruled out (Healthline, 2011). For example extreme weight loss could be from Addison’s disease, Celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or any other metabolic, endocrine, digestive, or nervous system disorder (Healthline, 2011). There are many tests that are conducted to reveal the reasoning for the loss of weight such as: CHEM-20 comprehensive metabolic panel which is a group of chemical test performed on the blood serum (Healthline, 2011). Electrocardiogram (ECG) which records the electrical activity of the heart (Healthline, 2011). Thyroid function tests are blood test which evaluates how effectively the thyroid gland is working (Healthline, 2011). Urinalysis which is a test performed on urine (Healthline, 2011). Treating anorexia starts with the person recognizing anorexia is a problem which only creates a bigger health problem. The goal for treatment is to restore the person’s body weight and eating habits, and then address the psychological issues. During treatment the person may need to stay in the hospital if their weight continues to decrease during treatment, medical complications, mental problems, and if the person thinks about committing suicide (Healthline, 2011). Other treatment includes antidepressant drugs, behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, and supportive care (Healthline, 2011). Also, severe and life threatening malnutrition may require feedings through the vein (Healthline, 2011). Bulimia is an illness in which a person binges usually by vomiting or laxative abuse to prevent weight gain (Healthline, 2011). Bulimia is normally found by dental exams which may show cavities or gum infections such as gingivitis (Healthline, 2011). This detected by a dental exam because the enamel of the teeth may be eroded because of the excessive exposure to acid due to vomit (Healthline, 2011). A chem-20 test is performed which may show electrolyte imbalance or dehydration (Healthline, 2011). Treatment for bulimia is different stages depending on the severity of the bulimia and the response to the treatment. Many people start with the support group because it is the less expensive treatment and helps people with mild conditions and no health issues, nutritional therapy is where the person talks with a nutritionist about a diet to regulate their body weight, and antidepressants used for depression (Healthline, 2011).

References
Helpguide, 2011. Eating Disorder Treatment and Recovery. Retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org/mental/eating_disorder_treatment.htm on 2/27/2011
Wikipedia, 2011. Eating Disorders. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eating_disorder on 2/27/11
Oliciouslife, 2011. Culture Norm: Society, Eating Disorder and Alternative Therapy. Retrieved from http://oliciouslife.com/culture-norm-society-eating-disorders-alternative-therapy/ retrieved on 2/27/2011
Healthline. 2011. Anorexia. Retrieved from http://www.healthline.com/galecontent/anorexia-1/3?utm_medium=ask&utm_source=smart&utm_campaign=article&utm_term=Anorexia&ask_return=Anorexia#anorexia retrieved on 2/27/11
Healthline, 2011. Comprehensive metabolic panel. Retrieved from http://www.healthline.com/adamcontent/comprehensive-metabolic-panel retrieved on 2/27/11
Healthline, 2011. Electrocardiogram. Retrieved from http://www.healthline.com/adamcontent/electrocardiogram retrieved on 2/27/11
Healthline, 2011. Thyroid function test. Retrieved from http://www.healthline.com/galecontent/thyroid-function-tests-1 retrieved on 2/27/2011
Healthline, 2011. Urinalysis. Retrieved from http://www.healthline.com/adamcontent/urinalysis retrieved on 2/27/11
Healthline, 2011. Bulimia. Retrieved from http://www.healthline.com/adamcontent/bulimia?utm_medium=ask&utm_source=smart&utm_campaign=article&utm_term=Bulimia+test#signsandtests retrieved on 2/27/2011

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