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Chapter 11 Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved Eating Disorders Eating Disorders • It has not always done so, but Western society today equates thinness with health and beauty • There has been a rise in eating disorders in the past three decades – The core issue is a morbid fear of weight gain • Two main diagnoses: Anorexia nervosa Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Bulimia nervosa Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved – Thinness has become a national obsession Anorexia Nervosa – A refusal to maintain more than 85% of normal body weight – Intense fears of becoming overweight – Distorted view of weight and shape – Amenorrhea Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved • The main symptoms of anorexia nervosa are: Anorexia Nervosa • There are two main subtypes: – Restricting type – Binge-eating/purging type • Lose weight by forcing themselves to vomit after meals or by abusing laxatives or diuretics • Like those with bulimia nervosa, people with this subtype may engage in eating binges Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved • Lose weight by cutting out sweets and fattening snacks, eventually eliminating nearly all food • Show almost no variability in diet Anorexia Nervosa • The “typical” case: • Separation of parents • Move away from home • Experience of personal failure – Most patients recover • However, about 2% to 6% become seriously ill and die as a result of medical complications or suicide Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved – A normal to slightly overweight female has been on a diet – Escalation toward anorexia nervosa may follow a stressful event Anorexia Nervosa: The Clinical Picture • The key goal for people with anorexia nervosa is becoming thin • Of becoming obese • Of giving in to the desire to eat • Of losing control of body size and shape Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved – The driving motivation is fear: Anorexia Nervosa: The Clinical Picture • Despite their dietary restrictions, people with anorexia nervosa are preoccupied with food • It may be the result of food deprivation, as evidenced by the famous 1940s “starvation study” with conscientious objectors Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved – This includes thinking and reading about food and planning for meals – This relationship is not necessarily causal Anorexia Nervosa: The Clinical Picture • Persons with anorexia nervosa also think in distorted ways: – Usually have a low opinion of their body shape – Tend to overestimate their actual proportions – Hold maladaptive attitudes and misperceptions • “I must be perfect in every way” • “I will be a better person if I deprive myself” • “I can avoid guilt by not eating” Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved • Adjustable lens assessment technique • People with anorexia nervosa also display certain psychological problems: • Depression (usually mild) • Anxiety • Low self-esteem • Insomnia or other sleep disturbances • Substance abuse • Obsessive-compulsive patterns • Perfectionism Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved Anorexia Nervosa: The Clinical Picture Anorexia Nervosa: Medical Problems – – – – – – – – – – Amenorrhea Low body temperature Low blood pressure Body swelling Reduced bone density Slow heart rate Metabolic and electrolyte imbalances Dry skin, brittle nails Poor circulation Lanugo Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved • Caused by starvation: Bulimia Nervosa • Bulimia nervosa, also known as “binge-purge syndrome,” is characterized by binges: • Eat objectively more than most people would/could eat in a similar period Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved – Bouts of uncontrolled overeating during a limited period of time Bulimia Nervosa • The “typical” case: • Like anorexia nervosa, about 90%–95% of bulimia nervosa cases occur in females • The peak age of onset is between 15 and 21 years • Symptoms may last for several years with periodic letup Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved – A normal to slightly overweight female has been on an intense diet – Research suggests that even among normal participants, bingeing often occurs after strict dieting Bulimia Nervosa – Purging-type bulimia nervosa • Forced vomiting • Misusing laxatives, diuretics, or enemas – Nonpurging-type bulimia nervosa • Fasting • Exercising frantically Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved • The disorder is also characterized by inappropriate compensatory behaviors, which mark the subtype of the condition: Bulimia Nervosa • Patients are generally of normal weight – Often experience marked weight fluctuations – Some may also qualify for a diagnosis of anorexia – Symptoms include a pattern of binge eating with NO compensatory behaviors (such as vomiting) Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved • “Binge-eating disorder” is a related diagnosis Bulimia Nervosa: Binges – Binges involve eating massive amounts of food very rapidly with little chewing • Usually sweet, high-calorie foods with soft texture – Binge-eaters commonly consume between 1,000 and 10,000 calories per binge episode Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved • People with bulimia nervosa may have between 1 and 30 binge episodes per week • Binges are often carried out in secret • Binges are usually preceded by feelings of great tension and/or powerlessness • Although the binge itself may be pleasurable, it is usually followed by feelings of extreme selfblame, guilt, depression, and fears of weight gain and being discovered Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved Bulimia Nervosa: Binges Bulimia Nervosa: Compensatory Behaviors • After a binge, people with bulimia nervosa try to compensate for and “undo” the caloric effects • The most common compensatory behaviors: • Fails to prevent the absorption of half the calories consumed during a binge • Repeated vomiting affects the ability to feel satiated greater hunger and bingeing – Laxatives and diuretics • Also largely fails to reduce the number of calories consumed Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved – Vomiting Bulimia Nervosa: Compensatory Behaviors • Compensatory behaviors may temporarily relieve the negative feelings attached to binge eating Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved – Over time, however, a cycle develops in which purging bingeing purging… Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Bulimia Nervosa vs. Anorexia Nervosa • • • • • • • • • Begin after a period of dieting Fear of becoming obese Drive to become thin Preoccupation with food, weight, appearance Feelings of anxiety, depression, obsessiveness, perfectionism Heighted risk of suicide attempts Substance abuse Distorted body perception Disturbed attitudes toward eating Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved Similarities: Bulimia Nervosa vs. Anorexia Nervosa • People with bulimia nervosa are more concerned about pleasing others, being attractive to others, and having intimate relationships • People with bulimia nervosa tend to be more sexually experienced and active • People with bulimia nervosa are more likely to have histories of mood swings, low frustration tolerance, and poor coping Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved Differences: Bulimia Nervosa vs. Anorexia Nervosa • More than one-third of people with bulimia display characteristics of a personality disorder, particularly borderline personality disorder • Different medical complications: • Only half of women with bulimia nervosa experience amenorrhea vs. almost all women with anorexia nervosa • People with bulimia nervosa suffer damage caused by purging, especially from vomiting and laxatives Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved Differences: • Repeated eating binges during which they feel no control over their eating • These individuals do not perform inappropriate compensatory behavior • As a result of their frequent binges, around twothirds of people with binge eating disorder become overweight or even obese Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved Binge Eating Disorder What Causes Eating Disorders? – Several key factors place individuals at risk – More factors = greater likelihood of developing a disorder – Leading factors: • Psychological problems (ego, cognitive, and mood disturbances) • Biological factors • Sociocultural conditions (societal, family, and multicultural pressures) Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved • Most theorists and researchers use a multidimensional risk perspective to explain eating disorders: Psychodynamic Factors: Ego Deficiencies – Argued that eating disorders are the result of disturbed mother–child interactions, which lead to serious ego deficiencies in the child and to severe perceptual disturbances Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved • Hilde Bruch developed a largely psychodynamic theory of eating disorders Psychodynamic Factors: Ego Deficiencies – Effective parents accurately attend to a child's biological and emotional needs – Ineffective parents fail to attend to child's needs; they feed when the child is anxious, comfort when the child is tired, etc. • Such children may grow up confused and unaware of their own internal needs and turn, instead, to external guides • Clinical reports and research have provided some empirical support for this theory Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved • Bruch argues that parents may respond to their children either effectively or ineffectively Cognitive Factors – According to cognitive theorists, these deficiencies contribute to a broad cognitive distortion that lies at the center of disordered eating (e.g., negative selfjudgment based on body shape and weight) Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved • Bruch's theory also contains several cognitive factors, like improper labeling of internal sensations and needs • Dark sites of the Internet—sites with the goal of promoting behaviors that the clinical community, and most of society, consider abnormal and destructive • Eating Disorders Association reports that there are more than 500 pro-anorexia Internet sites, with names such as “Dying to Be Thin” and “Starving for Perfection” • Besides promoting eating disorders, might there be other ways in which pro-Ana sites are potentially harmful to regular visitors? Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved Dark Sites of the Internet Biological Factors • Biological theorists suspect certain genes may leave some people particularly susceptible to eating disorders • Relatives of people with eating disorders are up to 6 times more likely to develop the disorder themselves • Identical (MZ) twins with anorexia: 70% • Fraternal (DZ) twins with anorexia: 20% • Identical (MZ) twins with bulimia: 23% • Fraternal (DZ) twins with bulimia: 9% – These findings may be related to low serotonin Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved – Consistent with this idea: Biological Factors • Other theorists believe that eating disorders may be related to dysfunction of the hypothalamus • Lateral hypothalamus (LH) • Ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved – Researchers have identified two separate areas that control eating: Biological Factors – Set by genetic inheritance and early eating practices, this mechanism is responsible for keeping an individual at a particular weight level • If weight falls below set point: hunger, metabolic rate binges • If weight rises above set point: hunger, metabolic rate – Dieters end up in a battle against themselves to lose weight Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved • Some theorists believe that the hypothalamus, related brain areas, and chemicals together are responsible for weight set point – a “weight thermostat” of sorts Societal Pressures – Western standards have changed throughout history toward a thinner ideal • Miss America contestants have declined in weight by 0.28 lbs/yr; winners have declined by 0.37 lbs/yr • Playboy centerfolds have lower average weight, bust, and hip measurements than in the past Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved • Many theorists believe that current Western standards of female attractiveness are partly responsible for the emergence of eating disorders Societal Pressures • Members of certain subcultures are at greater risk from these pressures: • Of college athletes surveyed, 9% met full criteria for an eating disorder while another 50% had symptoms • 20% of surveyed gymnasts appear to have an eating disorder Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved – Models, actors, dancers, and certain athletes Societal Pressures • Societal attitudes may explain economic and racial differences seen in prevalence rates • These women had higher rates of eating disorders than women of the lower socioeconomic classes – Recently, dieting and preoccupation with thinness, along with rates of eating disorders, are increasing in all groups Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved – Historically, women of higher SES expressed more concern about thinness and dieting Societal Pressures – About 50% of elementary and 61% of middle school girls are currently dieting – A recent survey of adolescent girls tied eating disorders and body dissatisfaction to social networking, Internet activities, and television browsing Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved • The socially accepted prejudice against overweight people may also add to the “fear” and preoccupation about weight Family Environment – As many as half of the families of those with eating disorders have a long history of emphasizing thinness, appearance, and dieting – Mothers of those with eating disorders are more likely to be dieters and perfectionistic themselves Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved • Families may play an important role in the development of eating disorders Family Environment – Influential family theorist Salvador Minuchin cites “enmeshed family patterns” as causal factors of eating disorders • These patterns include overinvolvement in, and overconcern about, family member's lives Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved • Abnormal interactions and forms of communication within a family may also set the stage for an eating disorder Multicultural Factors: Racial and Ethnic Differences – Specifically, nearly 90% of the white American respondents were dissatisfied with their weight and body shape, compared to around 70% of the African American teens – The study also suggested that the groups had different ideals of beauty Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved • A widely publicized 1995 study found that eating behaviors and attitudes of young African American women were more positive than those of young white American women • Eating disorders among Hispanic American female adolescents are about equal to those of white American women • Eating disorders also appear to be on the increase among Asian American women and young women in several Asian countries Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved Multicultural Factors: Racial and Ethnic Differences • Males account for only 5% to 10% of all cases of eating disorders • The reasons for this striking difference are not entirely clear, but Western society's double standard for attractiveness is, at the very least, one reason • A second reason may be the different methods of weight loss favored: – Men are more likely to exercise – Women more often diet Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved Multicultural Factors: Racial and Ethnic Differences Multicultural Factors: Racial and Ethnic Differences • It seems that some men develop eating disorders as linked to the requirements and pressures of a job or sport • • • • • Jockeys Wrestlers Distance runners Body builders Swimmers Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved – The highest rates of male eating disorders have been found among: • For other men, body image appears to be a key factor • Last, some men seem to be caught up in a new kind of eating disorder – reverse anorexia nervosa or muscle dysmorphobia Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved Multicultural Factors: Racial and Ethnic Differences How Are Eating Disorders Treated? • Eating disorder treatments have two main goals: • This often requires the participation of family and friends Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved – Correct dangerous eating patterns – Address broader psychological and situational factors that have led to, and are maintaining, the eating problem Treatments for Anorexia Nervosa – Regain lost weight – Recover from malnourishment – Eat normally again Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved • The immediate aims of treatment for anorexia nervosa are to: • In the past, treatment took place in a hospital setting; it is now often offered in day hospitals or outpatient settings • In life-threatening cases, clinicians may need to force tube and intravenous feedings on the patient – This may breed distrust in the patient and create a power struggle – In contrast, behavioral weight-restoration approaches have clinicians use rewards whenever patients eat properly or gain weight Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved Treatments for Anorexia Nervosa Treatments for Anorexia Nervosa – Necessary weight gain is often achieved in 8 to 12 weeks • Researchers have found that people with anorexia nervosa must overcome their underlying psychological problems to achieve lasting improvement Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved • The most popular weight-restoration technique has been the combination of supportive nursing care, nutritional counseling, and high-calorie diets Treatments for Anorexia Nervosa – On the behavioral side, clients are required to monitor feelings, hunger levels, and food intake and the ties among those variables – On the cognitive sides, they are taught to identify their “core pathology” Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved • In most treatment programs, a combination of behavioral and cognitive interventions are included • Therapists help patients recognize their need for independence and control • Therapists help patients recognize and trust their internal feelings • A final focus of treatment is helping clients change their attitudes about eating and weight – Using cognitive approaches, therapists correct disturbed cognitions and educate about body distortions • Family therapy is important for anorexia nervosa treatment – The main issues are often separation and boundaries Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved Treatments for Anorexia Nervosa Treatments for Anorexia Nervosa • The use of combined treatment approaches has greatly improved the outlook for people with anorexia nervosa • The course and outcome of the disorder vary from person to person Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved – But even with combined treatment, recovery is difficult Treatments for Anorexia Nervosa • Positives of treatment: – Weight gain is often quickly restored • As many as 90% of patients still showed improvements after several years • Negatives of treatment: – As many as 25% of patients remain troubled for years – Even when it occurs, recovery is not always permanent • Anorexic behavior recurs in at least one-third of recovered patients, usually triggered by new stresses • Many patients still express concerns about their weight and appearance – Lingering emotional problems are common Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved – Menstruation often returns with return to normal weight – The death rate from anorexia nervosa is declining Treatments for Bulimia Nervosa – Eliminate binge-purge patterns – Establish good eating habits – Eliminate the underlying cause of bulimic patterns • Programs emphasize education as much as therapy Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved • Treatment is frequently offered in eating disorder clinics • The immediate aims of treatment for bulimia nervosa are to: Treatments for Bulimia Nervosa • Cognitive-behavioral therapy is particularly helpful: • Diaries are often a useful component of treatment • Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is used to break the binge-purge cycle – Cognitive techniques • Help clients recognize and change their maladaptive attitudes toward food, eating, weight, and shape • Typically teach individuals to identify and challenge the negative thoughts that precede the urge to binge Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved – Behavioral techniques Treatments for Bulimia Nervosa – If clients do not respond to cognitive-behavioral therapy, other approaches may be tried – A common alternative is interpersonal therapy (IPT); a treatment that seeks to improve interpersonal functioning may be tried – Psychodynamic therapy has also been used Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved • Other forms of psychotherapy Treatments for Bulimia Nervosa • Other forms of psychotherapy • Group formats provide an opportunity for patients to express their thoughts, concerns, and experiences with one another • Group therapy is helpful in as many as 75% of cases Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved – Various forms of psychotherapy are often supplemented by family therapy and may be offered in either individual or group therapy format Treatments for Bulimia Nervosa • Antidepressant medications – During the past 15 years, all groups of antidepressant drugs have been used in bulimia nervosa treatment – Medications are best when used in combination with other forms of therapy Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved • Drugs help as many as 40% of patients Treatments for Bulimia Nervosa • Left untreated, bulimia nervosa can last for years • Treatment provides immediate, significant improvement in about 40% of cases • Follow-up studies suggest that 10 years after treatment about 75% of patients have fully or partially recovered Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved – An additional 40% show moderate response Treatments for Bulimia Nervosa – Relapses are usually triggered by stress – Relapses are more likely among persons who: • • • • Had a longer history of symptoms Vomited frequently Had histories of substance use Have lingering interpersonal problems Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved • Relapse can be a significant problem, even among those who respond successfully to treatment • Today’s treatments for binge-eating disorder are often similar to those for bulimia nervosa • Cognitive-behavioral therapy, other forms of psychotherapy, and in some cases, antidepressant medications are provided to help reduce or eliminate the binge-eating patterns and to change disturbed thinking such as being overly concerned with weight and shape Abnormal Psychology | Ronald J. Comer | Ninth Edition Copyright © 2015 by Worth Publishers. All rights reserved Treatments for Binge-Eating Disorder