10 - Eating Disorders

Question 1

What is the criteria for the diagnosis of anorexia nervosa?

Answer 1

A. Restriction of energy intake relative to requirements, leading to a significant low body weight
B. Intense fear of gaining weight
C. Disturbed by one’s body weight or shape
• Restricting type
• Binge-eating/purging type

Question 2

What is the criteria for diagnosis of bulimia nervosa?

Answer 2

Bulimia nervosa (BN): diagnostic cluster
A. Recurrent episodes of binge eating
B. Recurrent inappropriate compensatory behaviours in order to prevent weight gain
C. The binge eating and inappropriate compensatory behaviours occur, on average, at least once a week for 3 months
D. Self-evaluation is unjustifiability influenced by body shape and weight
E. The disturbance does not occur exclusively during episodes of anorexia nervosa

Question 3

What is binge eating?

Answer 3

• Eating, within any 2-hour period, an amount of food that is larger than what most individuals would eat in a similar period under similar circumstances
• A feeling that one cannot stop eating or control what or how much one is eating

Question 4

What is the criteria for diagnosis of binge eating disorder?

Answer 4

Recurrent episodes of binge eating

Binge-eating episodes are associated with three (or more) of the following:
• much more rapidly than normal
• uncomfortably full
• when not hungry
• Eating alone because of being embarrassed
• Feeling disgusted

at least 1 day a week for 3 months

not associated with the regular use of inappropriate compensatory behaviour (e.g., purging, fasting, excessive exercise) and does not occur exclusively during the course of anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.

Question 5

What are the physical health complications associated with anorexia nervosa?

Answer 5

Death from heart arrhythmia
Kidney damage
Renal failure
Irregular menstruation

Question 6

What are the physical health complications associated with bulimia nervosa?

Answer 6

Electrolyte imbalances
Hypokalemia (low potassium)
Damage to heart, throat, and teeth

Question 7

What are some things people with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa may experience?

Answer 7

They feel an obsession or addiction with controlling their intake (dysfunctional rules)

as a way to avoid negative voices about self-worth

Delight in low weight, self-harm, in having the disorder

Low self-worth, depriving self of food as punishment

Comfort in suffering