06ca_Feed and Eating Disorders: Anorexia Nervosa Flashcards
Anorexia Nervosa:
Essential Features
Restriction of energy intake
Intense fear of gaining weight
Disturbance in subjective experience of body weight/shape
Lack of recognition of seriousness of low body weight
Anorexia Nervosa:
Two Types
Restricting
Binge-eating/Purging
Anorexia Nervosa:
Basis of severity specifier
Current body mass index
Anorexia Nervosa:
Associated features
Excessive exercise
Self-induced vomiting or use of laxatives/diuretics
Preoccupation with food
(e.g. collect recipes)
Prepare elaborate meals for others
Hoard food
Anorexia Nervosa:
Comorbidity with Anxiety
50% meet criteria for an Anxiety Disorder at some time during their life
Anorexia Nervosa:
Two most common anxiety disorders that precede a.m.
Social phobia
OCD
Anorexia Nervosa:
Comorbidity with Depression
Common
May begin either before or after onset of AN
Anorexia Nervosa:
Physical symptoms of Starvation
Constipation
Cold intolerance
Abdominal pain
Lethargy
Bradycardia
Amenorrea
Anorexia Nervosa:
Symptoms associated with purging
Anemia
Impaired renal function
Cardiac abnormalities
Dental problems
Osteoporosis
Anorexia Nervosa:
Age of onset
Adolescence/young adulthood
Often associated with a stressful life event
Anorexia Nervosa:
Gender prevalence
90% = female
Anorexia Nervosa:
Possible role of Serotonin
Excess serotonin = restlessness, anxiety, and obsessive thinking
AN = Food restriction to lower serotonin levels
Anorexia Nervosa:
Genetics
Strong genetic component
Increased risk for first-degree relatives
Anorexia Nervosa:
Considerations for pharmacotherapy
No SSRIs when patient is still underweight and restricting food intake
Once normal weight is reached, Pharmacotherapy helpful in preventing relapse
Anorexia Nervosa:
Psychological factors
Perfectionism
Unrealistic expectations
