Problem 4 - Abnormal Psychology: An Integrative Approach

Question

Check your understanding of eating disorders by identifying the proper disorder in the following scenarios: (a) bulimia nervosa, (b) anorexia nervosa, and (c) binge-eating disorder. Kirsten has lost several pounds and now weighs less than 90 pounds. She eats only a small portion of the food her mother serves her and fears that intake above her current 500 calories daily will make her fat. since losing the weight, Kirsten has stopped having periods. She sees a fat person in the mirror. __________

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Kirsten's symptoms indicate anorexia nervosa.

Step 1: Identify Key Symptoms

The scenario describes Kirsten losing a significant amount of weight, weighing less than 90 pounds, having a very low calorie intake (500 calories daily), fearing weight gain, losing her period, and experiencing a distorted body image.

Step 2: Understand Disorder Characteristics

Anorexia nervosa is characterized by extreme weight loss, a restrictive diet, an intense fear of gaining weight, amenorrhea (loss of menstruation), and distorted body image. Meanwhile, bulimia nervosa involves binge eating followed by purging, and binge-eating disorder involves recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food.

Step 3: Compare Scenario with Disorders

The key symptoms in the scenario align with anorexia nervosa. The extreme weight loss, calorie restriction, fear of gaining weight, loss of menstruation, and distorted self-image match the characteristics of this disorder.

Step 4: Confirm Disorder Identification

Given the symptoms match those of anorexia nervosa, it is confirmed that Kirsten's scenario describes anorexia nervosa.

Key Concepts

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a serious mental health disorder that predominantly affects young women, but can occur in individuals of any gender and age. It's characterized by an extreme fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image. People with anorexia nervosa perceive themselves as overweight even if they are dangerously underweight.

Individuals with this disorder often engage in restrictive eating behaviors and have an intense focus on losing weight. They may limit their food intake to extremely low caloric levels, sometimes as low as 500 calories a day, and engage in excessive exercise.

This condition can lead to severe weight loss and, in females, amenorrhea, which is the loss of menstrual periods. This is a result of the body's response to starvation.

• Distorted self-image: Seeing themselves as overweight regardless of actual weight.
• Fear of weight gain: Having an intense fear even as they lose a significant amount of weight.
• Restrictive eating patterns: Consuming very few calories daily.
• Health consequences: Including weakened bones, fertility issues, heart problems, and fatigue.

Prompt and compassionate medical and psychological interventions are key to treating anorexia nervosa effectively, helping affected individuals restore a healthy weight and address any mental health concerns.

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is another eating disorder where individuals have episodes of eating large quantities of food in a short period, known as binges. Following these binges, individuals engage in compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, fasting, or excessive exercise to prevent weight gain.

This cycle of bingeing and purging can become habitual and largely dominates the person's life. People with bulimia nervosa often feel a loss of control over eating during the binge episodes, followed by guilt and shame.

It's essential to note that unlike anorexia nervosa, individuals with bulimia may not necessarily appear underweight. In fact, they often maintain an average weight or may be slightly overweight.

• Binge eating: Consuming large quantities of food rapidly and feeling out of control.
• Purging behaviors: Includes self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives, and/or excessive exercise.
• Emotional cycle: Feelings of guilt and shame following bingeing and purging.
• Health risks: Can lead to electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal issues, dental problems, and heart concerns.

Treatment for bulimia nervosa usually includes cognitive behavioral therapy to break the binge-purge cycle and develop healthier eating practices.

Binge-Eating Disorder

Binge-eating disorder is characterized by regular episodes of consuming large amounts of food, often rapidly and to the point of discomfort, without the compensatory purging behaviors seen in bulimia.

Unlike bulimia nervosa, people with binge-eating disorder do not engage in behaviors to "undo" the calorie intake. Therefore, individuals with binge-eating disorder may be overweight or obese due to the excessive calorie consumption.

Peeps experiencing this disorder often report feelings of loss of control during binges and frequently experience feelings of guilt, shame, or distress afterwards.

• Frequent binges: Involving eating large quantities of food quickly.
• No compensatory behaviors: Calories are not "burned off" afterwards.
• Emotional disturbances: Including feelings of guilt, shame, and distress post-binge.
• Health concerns: Often associated with obesity, increasing the risk for cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and other health issues.

Effective treatment involves therapy focusing on gaining control over eating habits, often incorporating both psychological counseling and nutritional guidance. It's crucial to address the emotional aspects of binge eating to promote long-term recovery.