Lecture 9 - Anorexia Nervosa Flashcards
What is anorexia nervosa mainly characterised by?
A neural dysfunction where fear activates in response to eating food. Specifically, this food must involve carbs or fats and these are concerning (chocolate vs. lettuce).
How are males represented in AN studies?
Emphasis on females, with the literature saying 90% of females and 10% of males. But estimates are at 25% of males, due to issues of diagnosis (‘it’s a disease for girls’).
What other key symptoms are present? (4)
Avoid food, even when hungry (suppress the desire to eat).
Excessive behaviour related to weight loss.
Socially isolated, invalid (social effects).
Has serious physical consequences (starvation, brain shrinkage).
3/4 have an anxiety disorder as well.
What are the biological side effects?
Brain shrinkage, hypothermia (lanugo hair), cardiovascular problems, iron deficiency, musculosketal (bones shatter rather than break), constipation and higher bacterial infections.
What biological treatments are available? Are they effective?
Olanzapine decreases stress during meal times, reduces ruminations and increases weight gains.
SSRIs have a limited effect.
No RCT of medication for AN, which limits effectiveness.
What is refeeding syndrome? Why is it an issue with AN?
The body adapts to being starved, so when refeeding a malnurished individual, the large shift in fluid and electrolyte intake can potentially lead to cardiac failure, delirium, death, and intenstinal problems (POWs).
How do people with AN view their body weight?
In a study, AN participants could adjust a photo of themselves to reflect reality and to reflect how they felt. Results showed accurate self-reflection but put it to maximum to show how they felt -> know they’re skinny but they feel fat.
Why is central coherence related to AN?
AN patients often focus on minor details (they cannot avoid doing this). They can identify minor components but not the entire picture.
