eating disorders Flashcards
What is Anorexia?
Anorexia is characterized by refusal to maintain a minimal normal body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a significant disturbance in the perception of body shape or size.
What are the features of Anorexia?
‘Anorexia’ is a misnomer because loss of appetite is rare. It typically has an onset in adolescence (12-18) and can range from pre-puberty to the early 30s (rare).
What is the prevalence of Anorexia?
The prevalence in young females is 0.4%, much lower for older females and males. 90% of cases are females, and among the 10% who are male, 50% are homosexual.
What are some common behaviors associated with Anorexia?
Excessive dieting, exercise, use of laxatives and diuretics, and some engage in binge eating and vomiting.
What are the psychological aspects of Anorexia?
Anorexia is highly comorbid with depression and perfectionism. Most individuals deny the illness and show little interest in therapy.
What is the mortality rate associated with Anorexia?
Anorexia has the highest mortality rate of all mental disorders, estimated at 10-15%, with 50% of deaths resulting from suicide and 50% from starvation or electrolyte imbalance.
What are the genetic causes of Anorexia?
Anorexia has significant heritability and may inadvertently invoke an evolutionarily adaptive trait related to food scarcity.
What are the neurobiological factors in Anorexia?
There are many neurobiological correlates of anorexia, possibly including low levels of endogenous opioids and zinc deficiency, which can create loss of appetite and depression.
How do cultural norms influence Anorexia?
Cultural norms around body image, particularly the desire for thinness in Western society, contribute to the development of Anorexia.
What is the treatment approach for Anorexia?
Treatment is often resistant; hospitalization may be necessary until the individual reaches 85% of body weight. Behaviour modification is useful for short-term weight gain.
What is Bulimia?
Bulimia is characterized by binge eating followed by inappropriate compensatory methods to prevent weight gain and self-evaluation unduly influenced by body weight and shape.
What are the features of Bulimia?
The incidence of Bulimia increased significantly after the 1950s, affecting 1-2% of adolescent and young adult females, with a much lower rate for males.
What are the health consequences of Bulimia?
Bulimia can lead to dental erosion, swollen salivary glands, esophagus perforations, heart problems, and other serious health issues.
What are the genetic factors in Bulimia?
There is an increased frequency of Bulimia, mood disorders, substance abuse, and obesity in genetic relatives.
What cultural factors contribute to Bulimia?
The desire to be thin in Western society, particularly among women, exacerbates the prevalence of Bulimia.
