Eating Disorders

Question 1

What can eating disorders look like in early childhood?

Answer 1

Failure to thrive.

• PICA.
• rumination disorder.
• avoidance/restrictive food intake.

Question 2

Which changes in adolescence lead to an increase in sensitivity to disorders/problems?

Answer 2

1. biological changes: puberty and brain development.
2. changes in self-control.
3. social changes.

Question 3

What are the reasons that eating disorders go underreported?

Answer 3

1. shame, cultural taboo and denial.
2. overlap youth and adult health care systems.
3. difficult to detect or diagnose.
4. hard to motivate people to get help.

Question 4

What are the etiological theories behind eating disorders?

Answer 4

1. neurochemical theories: serotonin.
2. purging: self-sedation hypothesis.
3. body image: early maturation.
4. cognitions.
5. family systems theory.

Question 5

Explain the family systems theory in relation to eating disorders.

Answer 5

Enmeshment, overprotection, rigidity and avoiding conflicts.

Question 6

What are the biological risk factors for eating disorders?

Answer 6

1. eating problems.
2. psychological problems.
3. diabetes.
4. obesity.
5. precociousness.

Question 7

What are the environmental risk factors for eating disorders?

Answer 7

1. stressful events.
2. bullying (appearance).
3. sexual intimidation.
4. self-esteem.
5. fear.
6. obsessions.
7. perfectionism.

Question 8

What are the intervention options for eating disorders?

Answer 8

1. CBT.
2. family therapy.
3. interpersonal therapy.
4. pharmacological therapy.