Abnormal Psych Ch 11

The "typical" case: Bulimia Nervosa

A normal to slightly overweight female has been on an intense diet Research suggests that even among normal participants, bingeing often occurs after strict dieting

The main symptoms of anorexia nervosa are:

A refusal to maintain more than 85% of normal body weight Intense fears of becoming overweight Distorted view of weight and shape Amenorrhea

People with bulimia nervosa may have between ____ and _______ binge episodes per week

1 and 30

Males account for only ______ to __________ of all cases of eating disorders

5% to 10%

Persons with anorexia nervosa also think in distorted ways:

Usually have a low opinion of their body shape Tend to overestimate their actual proportions Assessed using an adjustable lens technique Hold maladaptive attitudes and misperceptions "I must be perfect in every way" "I will be a better person if I deprive myself" "I can avoid guilt by not eating"

Eating disorder treatments have two main goals:

Correct dangerous eating patterns Address broader psychological and situational factors that have led to, and are maintaining, the eating problem This often requires the participation of family and friends

People with anorexia nervosa also display certain psychological problems:

Depression Anxiety Low self-esteem Insomnia or other sleep disturbances Substance abuse Obsessive-compulsive patterns Perfectionism

The immediate aims of treatment for bulimia nervosa are to:

Eliminate binge-purge patterns Establish good eating habits Eliminate the underlying cause of bulimic patterns Programs emphasize education as much as therapy

Bulimia Nervosa is also characterized by inappropriate compensatory behaviors, including:

Forced vomiting Misusing laxatives, diuretics, or enemas Fasting Exercising excessively

What Causes Eating Disorders? Societal Pressures

Many theorists believe that current Western standards of female attractiveness are partly responsible for the emergence of eating disorders

Bulimia Nervosa vs. Anorexia Nervosa

People with bulimia nervosa are more concerned about pleasing others, being attractive to others, and having intimate relationships People with bulimia nervosa tend to be more sexually experienced and active People with bulimia nervosa are more likely to have histories of mood swings, low frustration tolerance, and poor coping More than one-third of people with bulimia display characteristics of a personality disorder, particularly borderline personality disorder Different medical complications: Only half of women with bulimia nervosa experience amenorrhea vs. almost all women with anorexia nervosa People with bulimia nervosa suffer damage caused by purging, especially from vomiting and laxatives

There is empirical support for the claim that _________ set the stage for eating disorders:

mood disorders

Bulimia Nervosa Patients are generally of

normal weight. Often experience marked weight fluctuations Some may also qualify for a diagnosis of anorexia

The key goal for people with anorexia nervosa is becoming

thin. The driving motivation is fear: Of becoming obese Of giving in to the desire to eat Of losing control of body size and shape

Between _________of the population display binge eating disorder

2 and 7%

Anorexia Nervosa The "typical" case:

A normal to slightly overweight female has been on a diet Escalation toward anorexia nervosa may follow a stressful event Separation of parents Move away from home Experience of personal failure Most patients recover However, about 2% to 6% become seriously ill and die as a result of medical complications or suicide

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is particularly helpful:Bulimia Nervosa

Behavioral techniques Diaries are often a useful component of treatment Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is used to break the binge-purge cycle

What Causes Eating Disorders? Biological Factors

Biological theorists suspect certain genes may leave some people particularly susceptible to eating disorders Other theorists believe that eating disorders may be related to dysfunction of the hypothalamus

The immediate aims of treatment for anorexia nervosa are to:

Regain lost weight Recover from malnourishment Eat normally again

During the past 15 years, all groups of _________________ have been used in bulimia nervosa treatment

antidepressant drugs

As a result of their binges, two-thirds of people with this disorder become overweight or obese

binge eating disorder

Like those with bulimia, individuals with ______________ engage in repeated eating binges during which they feel no control

binge eating disorder

The most popular weight-restoration technique has been the

combination of supportive nursing care, nutritional counseling, and high-calorie diets

Many people with eating disorders, particularly those with bulimia nervosa, experience symptoms of ____________

depression

Bulimia nervosa, also known as "binge-purge syndrome," is characterized by binges:

Repeated bouts of uncontrolled overeating during a limited period of time Eat objectively more than most people would/could eat in a similar period

Anorexia Nervosa There are two main subtypes:

Restricting type Lose weight by cutting out sweets and fattening snacks, eventually eliminating nearly all food Show almost no variability in diet Binge-eating/purging type Lose weight by forcing themselves to vomit after meals or by abusing laxatives or diuretics Like those with bulimia nervosa, people with this subtype may engage in eating binges