EATING DISORDERS
Vocabulary
Anorexia Nervosa:
Bulimia Nervosa:
Binge Eating Disorder:
Female Athlete Triad:
Prevalence of Eating Disorders
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More than 5 million Americans suffer from eating disorders
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90% of cases of anorexia and bulimia occur in females
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15% of young women have substantially disordered eating attitudes or behaviors
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8% of overweight women and 30% of those seeking treatment from weight loss programs meet criteria for binge eating disorder; 25% of binge eaters may be male
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COMMON CAUSES OF EATING DISORDERS
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Major life Transitions
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Family Problems
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Social/Romantic Problems
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Failure at School, Work, or Competitive Event
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Traumatic Event
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Biological Vulnerability to other Psychiatric Illnesses
Factors Associated With Increased Risk for Eating Disorders
Female gender
Dieting behavior
Middle or upper-class socioeconomic background
Personality disorder
Family dysfunction
Profession or pursuit that stresses thinness
Diseases for which management involves emphasis on diet regulation
Types of Eating Disorders
Anorexia Nervosa
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Refusal to maintain body weight at or above a minimal normal weight for height and age
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Intense fear of becoming fat, even though underweight
• Disturbance in the way in which one’s body weight or shape is experienced
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Amenorrhea (the absence of at least 3 menstrual cycles)
Bulimia Nervosa
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Recurrent episodes of binge eating
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Recurrent inappropriate compensatory behavior in order to prevent weight gain (vomiting, diuretics, laxatives, excessive exercise, etc.)
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Self-evaluation unduly influenced by body shape and weight
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Purging and non-purging type
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Binge Eating Disorder
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Recurrent episodes of binge eating (at least 2x per week for 6 months)
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The binge eating causes marked distress
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The binge eating is not associated with the regular use of inappropriate compensatory behaviors
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The Female Athlete Triad
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Eating Disorder – restrictive dieting, excessive exercise, weight loss, lack of body fat
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Amenorrhea – diminished hormones (may be as high as 66% in female athletes)
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Compromised Bone Health – stress fractures now, osteoporosis later in life
Distinguishing Between Normal and Abnormal Athletic Training
Athletes
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Purposeful training
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Increased exercise tolerance
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Good muscle development
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Accurate body injury
Anorexia “Athletica”
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Aimless activity
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Reduced exercise tolerance
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Reduced musculature
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Distorted body image
Amenorrhea
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Critical low fat theory?
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Excessive exercise?
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Energy drain?
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL EFFECTS OF EATING DISORDERS
ANOREXIA NERVOSA
• sallow complexion, dry skin, hair loss, hollow facial features
• irregular or ceased menstruation; infertility; osteoporosis
• changes in metabolism and energy
• cardiac problems, low blood pressure, fatigue, dizziness
BULIMIA NERVOSA
• damaged teeth, swollen cheeks, dehydration, weakness
• electrolyte imbalance, muscle spasms, headaches, fatigue
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GI problems, kidney problems
BINGE EATING DISORDERS
obesity related diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, risk of stroke, sleep apnea, gall bladder disease and several forms of cancer
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Treatment
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Comprehensive Multidimensional Assessment
physical exam, mental health evaluation, nutritional counseling
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Coordinated Care Plan
team of eating disorders professionals
nutritional rehabilitation/restoration of normal eating patterns and long-term goals
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Psychotherapy
cognitive behavioral, interpersonal
individual, family, group
Prevention
For eating disorders PREVENTION is key! What can we do?
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