Eating Disorders
Imagine a day in which your life was dictated by the food that you ate. Imagine standing on a scale while you ate or purging after eating large amounts of food. Those with eating disorders may engage in some of these activities. Eating disorders are serious conditions that affect millions of people in the U.S. More than ninety percent of those with eating disorders are adolescent and young adult women (Eguia & Bello, 2001). Unfortunately, the consequences of eating disorders can be serve and sometimes fatal. This paper will address the major characteristics and distinguishing factors of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa as well as discuss assessment and treatment strategies and issues that family members may be dealing with in regards to these two disorders.There are several similar characteristics of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Both disorders typically begin for a person in their adolescence and the majority of cases are reported with females (Eddy, Keel, Dorer, Delinsky, Franko& Herzog, 2002). Often times the consequences of these disorders can be very severe. Many of those with eating disorders suffer from major medical conditions. One in ten cases of anorexia nervosa . . .
There are two types of anorexia nervosa, restricting type and binge-eating/purging type. They may feel that they caused the eating disorder. People suffering from the disorder are obsessed with food and their weight. In addition, the DSM-IV lists that an individual must miss at least three menstrual cycles to meet the classification of anorexia. Parents may also be experiencing guilt and shame over the situation. Parents and siblings may have made comments towards the child about her/his weight and helped to contribute to the child’s self image (Sarason & Sarason, 2002). The first criterion listed in the DSM-IV for bulimia is “recurrent episodes of binge eating” (2000). Those suffering with eating disorders may start with one eating disorder and then eventually have the other disorder. One with an eating disorder may engage in physical activity in a compulsive and intense way. Those with nonpurging type bulimia use some other method to maintain their weight like excessive exercising or fasting after an episode. Hospitalization should be used when there are serious medical problems. The nutritionist and doctor are used to coordinate healthy eating plans and monitor medical complications (LoBuono, 2001). Another important characteristic of bulimics is they often binge in secret because they know that they eating habits are not normal. The authors provide areas to watch out for including perfectionism, changes in personality, lack of concentration, physical activity and sports and bathroom use. Some people use a combination of these methods (Eddy et al.
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