Eating Disorders Flashcards
Give some causes of eating disorders
Biological –> genetics, hormones, neurotransmitters, brain dysfunction, biological effects of dieting
Psychological –> low self esteem, depression, anxiety, poor coping mechanisms, feelings of inadequacy, excessive worrying, perfectionism
Social –> difficulty expressing emotion, history of bullying, history of physical or sexual abuse, troubled personal relationships
What are the diagnostic criteria of anorexia?
Intentional weight loss (BMI below 17.5)
Extreme fear of being fat or gaining weight
Disturbance of body image
Can also have an endocrine disorder (drop in testosterone in men or amenorrhea in women)
Give some predisposing factors for developing anorexia
Family history Role models Bullying about weight Female Age (teenage to early 20s)
Give some precipitating factors for developing anorexia
Dieting Period of overeating Stress Low self-esteem Westernised culture Traumatic event (abuse, relationship problems, bereavement)
Give some maintaining factors for developing anorexia
Positive weight loss comments Weighing daily Calorie tracking Strict rules about food Looking and thinking about food Family pressures Lack of support Immaturity Effects of starvation --> delayed GI emptying, reduced leptin, preoccupation with food, obsessional behaviours
Give some effects of starvation
Emotional distress and depression Agitation Tired Withdrawn Decline in concentration Decrease in BMR Oedema in the extremities Ongoing problems with food on cessation
Give some endocrine complications of starvation
Amenorrhea (low FSH and LH)
Sick euthyroid syndrome
Impaired glucose tolerance
High cortisol and high growth hormone
Give some cardiovascular complications of starvation
Bradycardia Hypotension Arrhythmias Cardiomyopathy High cholesterol
How is anorexia managed?
Children –> family focussed therapy and CBT
Adults –> CBT, specialist supportive clinical management
May need to be admitted for medical treatment eg. correction of electrolyte imbalances and NG tube feeding
What is bulimia?
Persistent preoccupation with eating and irresistible craving for food resulting in episodes of binge eating. This is associated with a morbid fear of being fat so induces compensatory behaviours such as self-induced vomiting, laxatives, fasting, excessive exercise and appetite suppressants.
How might excessive exercise be recognised?
Exercising for the sole reason of weight loss Working to a strict routine Exercising through injury Cannot bear to miss a day of exercise Prioritise exercise above other things
What is a binge eat?
Excessive uncontrollable eating often in secret and in a short period of time. It is associated with a feeling of loss of control and feelings of guilt.
Give examples of medical conditions which are associated with bulimia
Gum disease Oesophageal tears Oesophagitis Electrolyte disturbances (metabolic acidosis) Polycystic ovary syndrome Delayed gastric emptying
How is bulimia managed?
CBT
Disease education
Antidepressants
