Eating disorder

Question 1

Anorexia Nervosa - Physical Symptoms

Answer 1

Cold Intolerance
Lanugo
Hair loss
Dry nails or skin
Chest pain
Heart racing, palpitations
Hypotension
Bradycardia
Dizziness, fainting
Abdominal pain
Anemia, leukopenia
Amenorrhea
Dehydration
Decreased thyroid & liver function
Vitamin & mineral deficiencies
Peripheral edema
Dental erosion
Osteoporosis
Blood in vomit and stool

Fatalities: suicide, heart attack, electrolyte imbalances

Question 2

Bulimia Nervosa – Health Concerns

Answer 2

Serious cardiac events and skeletal myopathies are associated with use of syrup of ipecac
Gastrointestinal problems, rectal prolapse, and esophageal tears have been reported
May become dependant on laxatives
Dental erosion
Fatalities associated with:
Cardiac arrythmias
Gastric ruptures
Electrolyte imbalances
Suicide

Question 3

Common Reasons for Hospitalization

Answer 3

Seriously low weight (Anorexia Nervosa)
Other co-occurring mental health problem
Electrolyte imbalances and other physical health problems
Lack of response to outpatient treatment
Lack of social support
Crisis

Question 4

Implementation and Interventions

Answer 4

Medical support
Refeeding
Collaborate with client and family
Collaborative approach to treatment planning
Milieu management
Psychoeducation
Meal Support
Medication

Refeeding = beginning to eat again. Most drastic is an NG tube. Monitor for refeeding syndrome
Refeeding syndrome puts stress on the heart

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Exposure and Response Prevention
Life skill development
Mindfulness
Family counselling/ Family based interventions
Empowerment
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy

Question 5

Exposure and response prevention

Answer 5

Using the anxiety hierarchy, establish tasks that will elicit anxiety with the intention of preventing the eating disorder response or ritualized behaviour
Eating forbidden foods
Eating at forbidden times
Eating in a variety of locations
Eating without rituals
Addressing other co-morbid anxiety symptoms