Eating Disorders

Bulimia and Anorexia, which are found almost solely in females, are rigorous and occasionally overbearing dilemmas to handle in any mental health treatment environment. “As many as five out of 100 females with Anorexia die from acute medical problems” (www.education-options.com). Both of these disorders can give rise to intense and persisting harm to a person’s well being. Anorexia nervosa takes place when people purposely starve themselves to accomplish a desirable figure. On the other hand, bulimia nervosa is when people ingest food and then dispose their bodies of the remaining calories by using laxatives, exercising compulsively or throwing up. People who suffer from anorexia, will ultimately damage necessary organs such as the heart and brain due to starvation. To guard itself, the body changes into “slow gear”, thereby experiencing long-term irregular or absent menstrual periods, declining pulse, respiration and blood pressure rates and minimal thyroid function. A person’s nails and hair become brittle and their skin dries and turns yellow with a soft hair called lanugo. Extreme thirst and continual urination may occur. Yet, dehydration due to the lack of nutrition leads to constipation. Furthermore, l

"Weight restorations is usually successful in at least 85 of patients" (Hsu, pg. Dietitians should provide a system for planning meals and educated the patients and parents on the specific weight goals and the serious damage that the binge-purge cycle and dieting can have. As a result in exceptional cases, binge eating can cause the stomach to burst. Bulimics also tend to turn into alcohol and drug abuse more than anorexics. Diagnosing anorexia nervosa can be accomplished by a simple observation of physical symptoms and examining personal history. If the tests confirm that there is a low electrolyte level, it is an indication that the disease is most likely followed by binging and purging. For example, low levels of potassium could increase the risks of getting cardiac arrhythmia but can be helped by having a potassium rich diet. The weight goal is strictly set by the doctor, and if the patient is really malnourished then they should begin with a calorie count as low as 1,500 calories a day so that it reduces the chances of bloating and stomach problems. For long term recovery however, a patient must undergo consistent support and counseling from dietitians, behavioral-cognitive therapists, and psychotherapists. Moreover, the acid produced in vomit erodes the outer layer of the teeth and produces cavities and gum problems. Treatment for these disorders includes hospitalization for patients who present a complex constellation of behavioral symptoms, psychological disturbances, and medical complications. Loss of calcium can lead to an early case of osteoporosis.