General Information regarding Anorexia and Bulimia
Photo retrieved from http://www.hypnotherapist.org/anorexia-with-hypnotherapy.html
Anorexia Nervosa is commonly simply known as anorexia. It is an eating disorder that is also a psychological disorder. According to Dryden-Edwards (n.d.), a person often develops the disorder once they begin to diet and notice a loss of weight. They may begin to feel that the weight loss is a sign of mastery and control. Individuals with this disorder often become obsessed with controlling their body. The disorder consists of an ongoing cycle of restrictive eating and excessive exercising. Often diet pills, diuretics, laxatives, or enemas are used as well. Commonly, the individual will push their self close to a point of starvation. Anorexia is often a type of addiction to weight loss (Dryden-Edwards, n.d.).
Dryden-Edwards (n.d.) stated that approximately 95% of individuals with anorexia are female. Usually, anorexia begins in early adolescence but may also be seen in adults and sadly, even young children. It is much more common in countries with high economic status and it is estimated that about one out of every 100 adolescent females in the U.S. have the disorder. Anorexia is most common in the white race and in middle and upper class socioeconomic groups. Approximately 0.3% of men develop anorexia at some point in their life.
Dryden-Edwards (n.d.) also notes that currently, researchers have not found a definite cause for the disorder, but there are a few possible etiologies. It has been suggested that there may be a genetic component to anorexia. Preliminary studies point to a gene located at chromosome 1p to be involved in determining a persons susceptibility to anorexia. It is also believed that dysfunction of the hypothalamus may be a contributing factor as well. The hypothalamus is a part of the brain that regulates many of the bodies metabolic processes. The disorder may also be attributed to imbalances in neurotransmitters in the brain. It has been shown that feeding problems as an infant and a general history of underrating are also risk factors for developing anorexia. Some personal characteristics such as a high amount of negative feelings and perfectionism can be risk factors as well. People who were victims of childhood abuse are more likely to develop the disorder. It was once believed that family dynamic and highly demanding parents may make an individual more likely to develop anorexia but it has since been disproven.
According to MayoClinic (2012), it is often late in the progression of the disorder when the diagnosis is finally made because most people with anorexia try to hide their symptoms. When anorexia is suspected, doctors typically run an array of tests including a physical exam, laboratory tests, psychological evaluation and other studies. The doctors are commonly trying to rule out other causes for weight loss. The physical exam most likely includes a measurement of height and weight, checking vital signs, looking for dryness of the skin and nails, listening to the heart and lungs, and examining the abdomen. The laboratory tests may include a complete blood count and tests to check electrolyte and protein levels. They may also include tests to examine the function of the liver, kidney and thyroid. Occasionally, a urinalysis may be completed. Usually the doctor will also have the patient complete a psychological self-assessment questionnaire.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV (1994), lists four criteria for the diagnosis of anorexia. Those criteria are:
- Refusal to maintain a body weight that is at or above the minimum normal weight for a persons age and height
- Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even if the person is underweight
- Denying the seriousness of having low body weight to having a distorted image of body appearance or shape
- In women who have started having periods, the absence of a period for at least three consecutive menstrual cycles
If you or someone you know has any of these symptoms please look at our charities tabs to locate a place to get help.
Photo retrieved from Sciencephotolibrary.
Photograph taken by Oscar Burriel.
Bulimia nervosa, more commonly known simply as bulimia, is an eating disorder characterized by frequent binge eating followed by extreme efforts to avoid gaining weight. According to Smith, M. & Segal, J (2012), in an average binge an individual may consume as many as 3,000 to 5,000 calories in one hour. To "undo" the weight gaining effects of a binge an individual may take laxatives, diuretics, use enemas, induce vomiting, or exercise for an extreme length of time and intensity. It is necessary to note that a person does not have to purge, or physically eliminate the food from their body. Excess exercise, fasting, and crash dieting may also qualify a person with bulimia.
The more strict a person's diet is the more likely that they will become obsessed with food. When the body is starving, it begins to crave food as a way of asking for nutrition. Once these cravings begin, it is likely that the individual may eat a food that they see as forbidden or unhealthy. With this mindset it is common for the individual to see it as a diet failure and then decide to binge. After binging a bulimic person often feels guilty and they purge to regain control of their diet (Smith & Segal, 2012).
It is important to emphasize the fact that purging does NOT prevent weight gain. Since calorie absorption begins the instant that food is put into the oral cavity, vomiting immediately after eating only eliminates 50% or less of the calories consumed. Laxatives eliminate only approximately 10% of calories consumed, and diuretics eliminate no calories at all (Smith & Segal, 2012).
According to Schoenstadt (2007) bulimia occurs in both men and women, it is estimated that between five and 15 percent of those affected by bulimia are male. It is important to consider that approximately 10% of individuals with eating disorders are men. Between one and three percent of adolescent females are affected by the disorder. It is becoming increasingly common in the prepubescent and elderly. There are many emotional aspects that contribute to the likelihood that a person will develop bulimia. Smith and Segal (2012) report that poor body image, low self esteem, and a history of trauma or abuse are all risk factors. Abuse refers to not only physical and sexual abuse, but also substance abuse. Individuals whose parents had a problem with substance abuse or psychological disorders are more likely to develop the disorder. Major life changes may also trigger bulimia. Such changes include, but are not limited to, puberty, leaving home for college, and breakups from relationships. Ballet dancers, models, wrestlers, actors, and people involved in other professions or activities that require a strict maintenance of weight are also susceptible to the disorder.
Bulimia is very dangerous for your health. It may even result in death. One of the most dangerous effects of bulimia is severe dehydration. Also, purging and the supplements used for purging may cause electrolyte imbalances including low potassium levels. Bulimia may cause abdominal pain, swelling of the hands and feet, chronic sore throat, and broken blood vessels in the eyes. Cheeks and salivary glands may swell due to frequent vomiting. Frequent vomiting may also cause tooth decay, mouth sores, acid reflux, ulcers, and ruptured stomach or esophagus. Bulimia may result in the loss of menstrual periods and chronic constipation from overuse of laxatives (Smith & Segal, (2012).
According to Smith & Segal, (2012)., you can ask yourself the following questions to determine if it is likely that you may be bulimic.
The more “yes” answers, the more likely it is that you are suffering from bulimia or another eating disorder.
To be diagnosed with bulimia, you must meet these criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-IV (1994):
If you or someone you know has any of these symptoms please look at our charities tabs to locate a place to get help.
The more strict a person's diet is the more likely that they will become obsessed with food. When the body is starving, it begins to crave food as a way of asking for nutrition. Once these cravings begin, it is likely that the individual may eat a food that they see as forbidden or unhealthy. With this mindset it is common for the individual to see it as a diet failure and then decide to binge. After binging a bulimic person often feels guilty and they purge to regain control of their diet (Smith & Segal, 2012).
It is important to emphasize the fact that purging does NOT prevent weight gain. Since calorie absorption begins the instant that food is put into the oral cavity, vomiting immediately after eating only eliminates 50% or less of the calories consumed. Laxatives eliminate only approximately 10% of calories consumed, and diuretics eliminate no calories at all (Smith & Segal, 2012).
According to Schoenstadt (2007) bulimia occurs in both men and women, it is estimated that between five and 15 percent of those affected by bulimia are male. It is important to consider that approximately 10% of individuals with eating disorders are men. Between one and three percent of adolescent females are affected by the disorder. It is becoming increasingly common in the prepubescent and elderly. There are many emotional aspects that contribute to the likelihood that a person will develop bulimia. Smith and Segal (2012) report that poor body image, low self esteem, and a history of trauma or abuse are all risk factors. Abuse refers to not only physical and sexual abuse, but also substance abuse. Individuals whose parents had a problem with substance abuse or psychological disorders are more likely to develop the disorder. Major life changes may also trigger bulimia. Such changes include, but are not limited to, puberty, leaving home for college, and breakups from relationships. Ballet dancers, models, wrestlers, actors, and people involved in other professions or activities that require a strict maintenance of weight are also susceptible to the disorder.
Bulimia is very dangerous for your health. It may even result in death. One of the most dangerous effects of bulimia is severe dehydration. Also, purging and the supplements used for purging may cause electrolyte imbalances including low potassium levels. Bulimia may cause abdominal pain, swelling of the hands and feet, chronic sore throat, and broken blood vessels in the eyes. Cheeks and salivary glands may swell due to frequent vomiting. Frequent vomiting may also cause tooth decay, mouth sores, acid reflux, ulcers, and ruptured stomach or esophagus. Bulimia may result in the loss of menstrual periods and chronic constipation from overuse of laxatives (Smith & Segal, (2012).
According to Smith & Segal, (2012)., you can ask yourself the following questions to determine if it is likely that you may be bulimic.
The more “yes” answers, the more likely it is that you are suffering from bulimia or another eating disorder.
- Are you obsessed with your body and your weight?
- Does food and dieting dominate your life?
- Are you afraid that when you start eating, you won’t be able to stop?
- Do you ever eat until you are feel sick?
- Do you feel guilty, ashamed, or depressed after you eat?
- Do you vomit or take laxatives to control your weight?
To be diagnosed with bulimia, you must meet these criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-IV (1994):
- Repeated binging and feeling unable to control eating.
- Ridding of the extra calories from binging by vomiting, excessive exercise, fasting, or misuse of laxatives, diuretics, enemas or other medications.
- Binging and purging at least twice a week for at least three months.
- Body shape and weight influence feelings of self-worth too much.
- Does not include those whom have anorexia, an eating disorder with extremely restrictive eating behaviors.
If you or someone you know has any of these symptoms please look at our charities tabs to locate a place to get help.
http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/information-resources/audio-video.php#Video_Resource_List