Download What Are Eating Disorders?

Focus On
EATING
DISORDERS
Eating Disorders
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CCHS reports that 3.8% of Canadian girls
and women (aged 15 to 24) were at risk of
eating disorder.
Thirty percent of girls in grade nine and ten
had tried to lose weight in the last year.
Public Health Agency reports that 3% of
women will be affected by eating disorders in
their life time.
Copyright 2012, John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd.
What Are Eating Disorders?
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When the emotional aspects of food and
eating overpower the role of food as
nourishment, an eating disorder may
develop.
They involve a persistent disturbance in
eating patterns or other behaviors intended to
control weight.
They affect physical and nutritional health
and psychological functioning.
Copyright 2012, John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd.
Categories of Eating Disorders
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Anorexia nervosa
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Bulimia nervosa
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Self-starvation
Bingeing or binge eating followed by purging
Eating disorders not otherwise specified
(EDNOS)
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Abnormal behaviors that do not fit the above two
categories, such as binge-eating disorder
Copyright 2012, John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd.
Diagnostic Criteria for Eating
Disorders
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Diagnostic Criteria for Eating
Disorders
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What Causes Eating Disorders?
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The Role of Genetics in Eating
Disorders
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Certain genes may predispose a person to
developing eating disorders.
Examples:
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Levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin may
contribute to the behavior of anorexia and bulimia.
A defect in melanocortin 4 receptor gene may be
linked to binge-eating disorders and obesity.
A single gene may not be the sole cause.
Copyright 2012, John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd.
Common Psychological Issues
in Eating Disorders
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People with eating disorders often have low
self-esteem.
They are often perfectionists.
They try to use their relationship with food to
gain control over their lives and boost their
self-esteem.
Copyright 2012, John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd.
Societal Messages About the
Ideal Body
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Sociocultural and economic factors are
important triggers for the onset of eating
disorders.
The sociocultural ideals about body size are
linked to body image and the incidence of
eating disorders.
The view of an ideal body differs across cultures
and has changed throughout history.
People with eating disorders usually have a
distorted body image.
Copyright 2012, John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd.
Body Ideal in Modern America
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Tips to Maintain a Healthy Body
Image
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Anorexia Nervosa
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Psychological issues
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Overwhelming fear of
gaining weight
Disturbances in body image
Anorexic behavior
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Restricting type
Binge-eating/purging type
Copyright 2012, John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd.
Anorexia Nervosa
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Physical symptoms
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Weight loss
Mental and physical symptoms of starvation
Treatment
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Resolving the psychological and behavioral problems
Providing for physical and nutritional rehabilitation
Copyright 2012, John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd.
Bulimia Nervosa
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Psychological issues
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Intense fear of becoming fat
Negative body image and
distorted perception of body size
Usually socially isolated
Bulimic behavior
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A pattern of semi-starvation
interrupted by periods of gorging
Nonpurging bulimia
Purging bulimia
Copyright 2012, John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd.
Bulimia Nervosa
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Physical complications of bulimia:
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Purging by vomiting brings many problems to the
body systems.
Laxative and diuretic abuse can cause dehydration
and electrolytes imbalance.
Treatment:
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Separating eating from emotions and from
perceptions of success
Promoting eating in response to hunger and satiety
Copyright 2012, John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd.
Binge-Eating Disorder
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Binge-Eating Disorder
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Eating Disorders in Special
Groups
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Eating disorders in men
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Much less than in women
On the rise
Certain groups at more risk
Less likely to seek treatment
Eating disorders during pregnancy
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Cause harm to the mothers and babies
A common problem is pica
Copyright 2012, John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd.
Eating Disorders in Special
Groups
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Eating disorders in children
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More common in late adolescence and early
adulthood
Prevalence is increasing in younger children in the
U.S.
More girls than boys are affected
Delayed growth and sexual maturation
Other symptoms similar to those of adult patients
Copyright 2012, John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd.
Eating Disorders in Special
Groups
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Eating disorders in athletes
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Higher prevalence in female athletes
Higher prevalence in certain sports
Anorexia athletica
 Compulsive exercise
Female athlete triad
 Disordered eating
 Amenorrhea
 Osteoporosis
Copyright 2012, John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd.
Eating Disorders in Special
Groups
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Eating disorders and diabetes
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May be more common, particularly in those who take
insulin, than in the general public
The treatment regimentation may contribute
Many similarities between patients with diabetes and
those with eating disorders
Focus on food, diet and body weight
Control a central issue
Guilty feelings if goals not met
Copyright 2012, John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd.
Summary of Other Eating
Disorders
Copyright 2012, John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd.
Summary of Other Eating
Disorders
Copyright 2012, John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd.
Preventing and Getting
Treatment for Eating Disorders
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Recognizing the risks
Getting help for a friend or family member
Reducing the prevalence of eating disorders
Copyright 2012, John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd.
Copyright
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Copyright 2012, John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd.