Chapter 16 - Eating Disorders

What are the 4 types of eating disorders?

1. Anorexia nervosa 2. Bulimia nervosa 3. Binge eating disorder 4. Eating disorder not otherwise specified (NOS)

What is the peak age of onset of eating disorders?

14-18 years

Which neurotransmitter is related to eating disorders?

Altered brain serotonin function contributes to dysregulation of appetite, mood, and impulse control in eating disorders. Tryptophan, an amino acid essential to serotonin synthesis, is available only through diet. A normal diet boosts serotonin in the brain and regulates mood. Temporary drops in dietary tryptophan may actually relieve symptoms of anxiety and dysphoria and provide a reward for caloric restriction.

What is Refeeding Syndrome?

Caused by rapid reseeding following a long period of fasting. Usually presents in first four days, but can present up to two weeks.

What are 2 common co-morbid conditions in individuals with eating disorders?

Depression and anxiety

Eating Disorders vs Feeding Disorders

Eating disorders - are not really about food, but rather a socially acceptable coping mechanism gone wrong. Feeding disorders - actually are more often the direct result of food preferences or perceived intolerances

What is PICA?

Eating non-food items including ice, paper, dirt, hair. Must be: 1. Inappropriate for developmental stage 2. Does not include an aversion to food 3. Not a culturally supported practice

What is Binge Eating Disorder?

Engages in repeated episodes of binge eating, after which they experience significant distress. *do not regularly use compensatory behaviours, such as those seen in patients with bulimia nervosa.

Who is more at risk for eating disorders: Males or Females?

Females (slightly)

What is Lanugo?

Growth of fine, downy hair on the face and back *symptom of anorexia - occurs with starvation

What is Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (NOS)?

Includes disorders of eating that do not meet the criteria for either anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder.

What is Nocturnal Sleep-Related Eating Disorder?

Problematic eating disorders that occur in the period between sleep and wakefulness

What is Orthorexia?

Problematic preoccupation with "health" - Relying only on "natural" products - Finding more pleaser in eating "correctly" or "clean" than actually enjoying food

What is Anorexia Athletica?

Profound preoccupation with exercise

What is Anorexia Nervosa?

Refuse to maintain a minimally normal weight for their height and express an intense fear of gaining weight. Some restrict their intake of food; other engage in binge eating and purging.

What is Bulimia Nervosa?

Repeated episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviours, such as: - self-induced vomiting - misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or other medications - fasting - excessive exercise

What is Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)?

Restrictive/inadequate eating that is not due to medical or psychiatric co-morbidity and not attributed to disturbances in the perception of shape and weight. Clinical Presentations: 1. Lack of interest in food 2. Food avoidance related to smell, taste, texture, temperature, or appearance of food 3. Intake restriction treated to upsetting event *40% of toddlers will experience mealtime difficulties that resolve without intervention

What is Atypical Anorexia Nervosa?

Same as anorexia nervosa, but the person's weight is within or above the "average" range for age and height

True or False: Eating disorders have a genetic component

True A genetic vulnerability may lead to affect and impulse-control issues or to an underlying neurotransmitter dysfunction, but no single causative gene has been discovered to date.

What is Rumination Disorder?

Undigested food being returned to the mouth *Diagnosed after 1 month of symptoms