Eating Disorders

Research Paper # 104550

Medical and Health > Eating Disorders
Psychology > Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders

An overview of the causes, symptoms and treatment of eating disorders.

1,399 words () | 8 sources | MLA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how an important issue affecting many young women in Western society is eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN). It examines how with accurate diagnosis and treatment, the hope for recovery is great. It also contends that the societal issues that drive young women into such disorders need to be addressed before a complete eradication of such a disorder can be had.

Outline:
Introduction
Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa
Risk Factors for Eating Disorders
Anorexia and Bulimia: Symptoms and Diagnosis
The Causes of Eating Disorders
Health Complications of Eating Disorders
Eating Disorders and Relevant Treatments
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"CBT is often used to treat eating disorders because cognition and affect is related to the behavioral manifestations of the eating disorder. CBT works by attempting to modify the "negative automatic thoughts and dysfunctional assumptions relating to food, weight and shape, and the breaking of behavioural and physiological chains that maintain the unhealthy eating behaviours and cognitions" (238). CBT does not appear to be as effective for AN patients as it is for BN patients. Nonetheless, research has indicated that certain aspects of anorexia do react well to such treatment, such as "body image disturbance...to exposure and cognitive challenge" (citing e.g. Norris 1984; 238)."

Sample of Sources Used:

Baker, Christina Wood, & Eliot, Alexandra O. "Eating Disordered Adolescent Males." Adolescence 36 (2001): 535.
Fouts, Gregory T. (2003). "Changes in Television and Magazine Exposure and Eating Disorder Symptomatology." Sex Roles: A Journal of Research 49 (2003): 313.
Furth, Eric van, & Schmidt, Ulrike, & Treasure, Janet. Handbook of Eating Disorders. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, 2003.
Goodman, Brenda. "Stop That Treadmill: Is Compulsive Exercising on the Rise." Psychology Today 37 (2004): 15.
Herman, C. Peter, & Polivy, Janet. "Causes of Eating Disorders." Annual Review of Psycholgy (2002: 187.