Lecture 5- Eating Disorders

Question 1

Minnesota Starvation Experiment

Answer 1

Goal to understand the physiological effects of starvation and develop re-feeding techniques

Question 2

Phases of Minnesota Starvation Experiment

Answer 2

Control period- 12 weeks
Semi-starvation- 24 weeks- Lose 25% of body weight at 2.5 pounds per week
Restricted rehabilitation- 12 weeks
Unrestricted rehabilitation- 8 weeks

Question 3

Outcomes of Starvation Experiment

Answer 3

Reported symptoms of starvation lined up with eating disorder symptoms

Question 4

Anorexia Nervosa

Answer 4

Refusal to maintain body weight while weight is less than 85% of normal
Intense fear of weight gain
Disturbed body image
Two types- Restricting and Binge-Eating purging

Question 5

Anorexia Physical symptoms

Answer 5

Amenorrhea
Widespread bodily symptoms
Heavy impact on cardiovascular health
High risk of heart attack
5% rate of death

Question 6

Purging methods

Answer 6

Laxatives, vomiting, enema, and diuretics

Question 7

Anorexia Epidemiology

Answer 7

Onset in mid to late teens following stressor
0.5-2% of population with women > men 10:1
Chronic course
Comorbid with depression, OCD, phobias, panic, and alcoholism

Question 8

Bulimia Nervosa

Answer 8

Rapid consumption followed by compensatory behaviors
Binge followed by guilt, shame, and self-loathing
Two types- purging and non-purging
Weight within normal range
Body shape and weight are important in self-evaluation

Question 9

Bulimia physical outcomes

Answer 9

Normal BMI
Potassium and electrolyte depletion
Heart beat irregularities
Loss of enamel
Swollen salivary glands

Question 10

Bulimia Epidemiology

Answer 10

Onset in late adolescence or early adulthood following praise of weight loss
1.5-3% of population 90% women
Comorbidities- Depression, personality, anxiety, substance abuse, and conduct disorder

Question 11

Binge-Eating Disorder

Answer 11

Binge eating without compensatory behaviors
Distress and concern about body shape and weight
Often older with psychopathological factors

Question 12

Theories of Eating Disorder Development

Answer 12

Psychodynamic theory- Learning to cope with food and poor parenting
Personality- High neuroticism and anxiety
Cognitive control and disordered thinking
Mood disorders

Question 13

Causes of eating disorders

Answer 13

Genetics- some heritability
Neurobiologial- Hypothalamus, serotonin, and endorphins with purging
Sociocultural- Body standards, diet culture, gender, culture, and ethnic differences

Question 14

Eating Disorder Treatment

Answer 14

Restore Health Weight
Treat underlying psychological issues
Methods:
CBT or Psychodynamic therapies
Nutritional counseling or inpatient care
Support systems
Medications