Abstract This paper describes anorexia nervosa, some of its causes and health consequences. The paper notes that this is a potentially life-threatening disorder, with its prevalence seen as a consequence of the social pressure to be thin at all costs. Research shows the nature of the disorder, its consequences, some of its causes, treatments, and its prevalence in the population, suggesting that the problem may be growing more common and that this could be a result of unrealistic expectations regarding body image. The paper discusses how anorexia is more common among females than males, though it can affect both. The disorder is estimated to be found in one of every two hundred females aged 12 to 18, with males accounting for only five to ten percent of all cases. Anorexia affects people of all races, though most of the sufferers are white. It is believed that this may reflect socio-economic factors more than racial factors.
Abstract In this article, the writer looks at how anorexia nervosa is completely centered in body image distortion, or on how the woman perceives herself as occupying space. The two main issues covered in this paper are: (1) how the body image disturbance develops and (2) the reason why so many women feel pressured into self-starvation. The writer discusses that anorexia reflects the inferior position of women in a male-dominated space, the opposition between men and women and a means either of conformity or resistance to domination.
From the Paper "Women have been starving themselves throughout history because of changing rationales and pressures to occupy less space. The pressures began with religion and continue under the capitalist system with its emphasis on delayed gratification. Salter points out just how prevalent a problem anorexia is throughout North America when she states that "more than half the female population between the ages of 15 and 50 years suffer from some form of eating problem"."
Abstract This paper examines what pro-anorexia websites are, who visits them, and why they are a significant danger both to women who already have eating disorders, as well as potentially inspiring such disorders in others. It also examines whether or not a ban on such websites is necessary or even a possibility.
From the Paper "The advent of the Internet has, as in the case of every human invention, created a wealth of opportunities for many. But while some are using the Internet to help, others seek to spread dangerous information anonymously, everything from instructions on building bombs to the disturbing trend of "pro-anorexia" groups and websites. As awareness of these controversial sites grows, so does the never-ending debate over whether to ban sites containing information labeled as dangerous, an action I feel would be outright censorship, and for that reason, among others, am strongly opposed to."
Abstract This paper looks at celebrity campaigns and how effective they are in promoting disease prevention among the general public. It looks at how the medical community views these campaigns, the veracity of the information they portray, the role of paid spokespersons and gives some examples of campaigns by celebrities for specific diseases. It suggests a plan for a campaign to publicize anorexia nervosa.
From the Paper "No large-scale campaign has ever been raised to bring awareness to anorexia nervosa - a devastating disease in which people starve themselves sometimes to death because of a distorted body image ..."
Abstract This paper looks at anorexia nervosa as a public health issue. The paper assesses the growth of the disorder over recent years and the public health consequences of the rise in reported cases of the disorder. The paper also provides an overview of the risk factors -- including personality types and other personal characteristics -- and treatment.
Abstract The writer of this paper details the symptoms of anorexia nervosa which are characterized by weight loss, lowered body temperature, lowered blood pressure, slowed heart rate, thinning hair, fatigue and other signs of malnutrition. This paper details the four criteria that an affected person must meet in order to be diagnosed with anorexia which includes maintaining a body weight that on average is more than 15% below normal as well as having a distorted view of their overall body image. This paper discusses which people are more susceptible to this particular eating disorder. The writer delves into the various reasons certain individuals become afflicted with anorexia. One belief is that people develop anorexia due to the need to control themselves and their lives. Food intake and weight can be controlled as compared to other aspects of life which are out of the hands of most people, such as separation due to death or divorce. This well-researched paper details the dangers of anorexia, that range from mild to severe. It is estimated that some 20% of anorexics die due to complications linked to heart, kidney or other organ failure. The writer also details the various treatments in controlling anorexia, including the 12-step program, based on Alcoholics Anonymous.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Diagnosis
Anorexic Stereotypes
The Psychological/Biological Aspects of Anorexia The Reasons for Anorexia The Dangers of Anorexia Recovery and Treatment
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "As to the types of personalities that are likely to develop anorexia nervosa, it appears that most of them have rather normal preadolescent and teen lives, yet the females, at some point in the development, take on fragility and a lack of inner strength related to coping with loss, such as in divorce, the death of a loved family member or some type of early and traumatic separation. In contrast, some females may have experienced a traumatic event and in order to cope with it turned to excessive eating patterns which in the long term evolved in anorexia. However, it is true that any person regardless of sex or gender can become afflicted with anorexia which indicates that the individual creates and sets the future patterns for eating disorders."
Abstract This paper explains that anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder in which a patient shows loss of appetite in eating, as well as loss of sensation to hunger. The author points out that, due to lack of the needed nourishment for the body, caused by the constant inability of the patient to eat, an anorexic may experience gradual deterioration of physical health, which, if not properly treated, may lead to the patient's death. The paper relates that nutritionists suggest that there are several methods and techniques to prevent an adolescent from becoming an anorexic, including cautious behavior of the people around the environment of an adolescent to demonstrate positive views about eating.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Medical Symptoms and Complications Associated with Anorexia Nervosa
What is Anorexia Nervosa?
Factors Causing Anorexia Nervosa
Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa
Complications of Anorexia Nervosa
Medical Problems
Psychological Problems
Problems Caused to the People around the Patient
Preventive Strategies for Both Genders in Adolescence
Treatment Strategies
Therapeutic Strategies
Conclusion
From the Paper "There are diverse individuals that may be involved around the environment of an anorexic adolescent. This includes the parents, the educators, and the medical professionals. These individuals can help adolescents with anorexia nervosa to prevent the disorder from worsening. They can become instrumental mediums in encouraging adolescents to keep in good fit and in healthy conditions, both physically and psychologically."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that anorexia nervosa is a mental disorder that is considered to be one of the most deadly among all psychiatric disorders and is one of the most costly to treat. In reviewing the literature, the writer points out that there are various hypotheses relating to a variety of both environmental and biological causes, but very few that bring together the various elements that seem to consistently be found in this mental disorder. The writer examines the various proposed causes that have been set forth and studied to date in the literature but maintains that, because studies in this field are correlational and usually only look at one possible factor at a time, it is difficult to determine whether this mental disorder has multiple causal mechanisms. The writer discusses that, if consistent patterns can be identified in relation to the development of this mental illness, it may be possible to identify children who are at risk of developing anorexia, successfully treat those who have it, and reverse the trend and, thus, save the lives of many people.
Outline:
The Definition of Anorexia Nervosa
Currently Published Prevalence Rates
Hereditability and Comorbidity
The Effects of the Thin Ideal and the Media
Anorexia with Athletes
Proposed Biological Causes
Personality Correlates of Anorexics
Attachment Patterns and the Development of Anorexia Parental Dynamics Involved in the Development of Anorexia Conclusion
From the Paper "What is unclear is whether the onset of the comorbid anxiety disorder causes and/or contributes to the onset of the anorexia or vice versa.
"As an aside, facts that are somewhat related to heritability have been consistently found in the behavior of mothers toward their infant daughters who eventually become anorexic. It is unclear whether these patterns of behavior are causally related to the development of anorexia or not, but it should be noted that there are circumstances that may be considered risk factors and should be taken into account when predicting outcomes.
"For example, anorexics are said to have mothers who relied on scheduled feeding patterns when they were babies and introduced solids prematurely into their child's diet."
Abstract This paper explains the eating disorder Anorexia nervosa with the use of a case study. The author describes the case about Amy who was a teenage when she developed this eating disorder. Discussing the criteria for anorexia, the author shows how Amy was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa and the other severe symptoms that may possibly come with the disease. The paper also lists several treatment methods for anorexia nervosa including healthy eating plans and good family support.
Outline:
Anorexia Nervosa
DSM-IV Criteria
Amy
Potential Affects of Severe Anorexia Treatment
Works Cited
From the Paper "Even though Amy's family physician diagnosed her with anorexia nervosa and advised her to gain weight, she continued to lose pounds. Along with concerns about Amy's weight loss and personality changes, Amy's parents complained that Amy, a previously compliant and conforming daughter, began to regularly display stubborn behaviours. Mealtimes, Amy's parents stated, became a regular battle when they parents confronted her and told her she "had to" eat. In response, Amy would burst into tears and run into her room."
This well-researched paper examines the various causes and effects of anorexia-nervosa as well as the media's impact on women, self image and eating disorders.
Abstract This paper analyzes the link between culture and society that is inundated with images and messages that promote an ideal of perfection and which is a direct causative factor in the increase of eating disorders. This paper examines the results of numerous professionals and researchers who contend that the media is to blame for a large percentage of reported cases of anorexia and bulimia. The writer of this paper also explores other related causes for eating disorders among females, which include adolescent turmoil and a family history of affective disorders. This paper delves into the opinion that there may be an element of genetic transmission involved in anorexia and other eating disorders. This paper contains research results, statistics and relevant information to both anorexia and bulimia, which if not treated properly can lead to death.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Causes of Anorexia Nervosa
Socio-Cultural Causes
Psychological Causes
Biological Causes
The Effects of Anorexia Conclusion
References
From the Paper "Research has shown that women who have a sister or mother who suffers from an eating disorder may be at a much higher risk of developing anorexia or bulimia themselves. Researchers are of the opinion that there may be an element of genetic transmission involved in anorexia and other eating disorders. In one sense this is seen by the medical profession as a positive factor as it allows the causes of anorexia to be narrowed down and offers opportunities to possibly rectify the problem. "By identifying a genetic component to those behavioral disorders, doctors can get one step closer to eventually developing a medication to try to control the sometimes devastating progression of eating disorders". Medical Practitioners state that if there is a specific biological component to an eating disorder like anorexia, then this makes the problem easier to remedy; whereas social and psychological causes are much harder to resolve."
Tags: health, women, nutrition, mental, disorder, media, perception, culture, society
Abstract This paper provides insight into anorexia nervosa, a mental illness where individuals refuse to eat in pursuit of losing weight due to their intense fear of being fat. It looks at the two types of anorexia nervosa, the primary and secondary form and examines some of the physical symptoms that patients incur such as pallor, emaciation, weakness, muscle fatigue, lanugo (a growth of fine body hair) and amenorrhoea as well as heart complications. It looks at how there are several psychological models which can describe anorexia and focuses on the cognitive model and the behaviorist model. It shows how behavioral therapies are based on the assumption that mental disorders are maladaptive behaviors which have resulted from faulty learning and how the cognitive model concerns itself with the internal processes of thought and the role played by expectations, attitudes and the interpretation of events.
From the Paper "Anorexia nervosa is not the result of an overnight decision. This is why it is so difficult to become aware of until it has advanced to a substantial degree. It generally starts off as a harmless diet, usually without the intentions to starve oneself. In spite of that, if a person has certain predispositions, it may gradually result in anorexia. This is because as the diet progresses, the individual may experience some kind of "dieting euphoria" because this kind of lifestyle provides them with a sense of control for two reasons; an external and an internal. The external reason is that it provides a sense of "mastery and euphoria to a person who previously not only felt weak but depressed and empty" (Richard A. Gordon). And the internal reason is the accomplishment of a thin body is appraised by today's society. However the feeling of euphoria that is experienced is relatively short-lived. In fact, the longer the fasting lasts, a sense of depression gradually takes over to the degree where it becomes a dominant mood. Eventually, the anorexic will go to any extremes in order to conceal and defend her low weight and minimum appetite."
Abstract Anorexia Nervosa is a serious eating disorder that affects millions of people all over the globe. This discussion examines this disorder and begins by defining and characterizing anorexia nervosa. It then discusses the factors that contribute to the development of the disorder and finally investigates the treatments associated with anorexia nervosa.
From the Paper "The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine defines Anorexia nervosa as, ?an eating disorder characterized by unrealistic fear of weight gain, self-starvation, and conspicuous distortion of body image.? (Tran) The disorder is a combination of two Latin words that literally mean "a nervous inability to eat". The Encyclopedia explains that there are to different types of anorexia. The first type is described as restrictive, in which the person suffering with the disorder has a strict diet and exercises compulsively. The second type is described as a binge type in which the individual suffering with the disorder eats compulsively and purges by vomiting or through the use of laxatives. (Tran) "
Abstract The paper will be based on the experience of a close friend of mine. Sadie was 16 years old when she was admitted to hospital for anorexia. The subject of anorexia was chosen for several reasons. Anorexia is a widespread cultural problem, as well as a medical condition. . One of the major issues in the paper therefore will be centered around the social pressures to be thin. It is not enough for nurses to care for individual patients. They need to become advocates for women who become victims of such messages; advocacy is central. Most especially, the paper will deal with the need for nurses to take a holistic approach to patients.
Abstract This paper explains that anorexia nervosa can be seen through the perspectives of a number of theoretical explanations, which often work synchronously to give a mixed picture of the condition's impetus and causes. The author points out that the sociocultural explanation focuses on how the intersection of adolescent life-stages mixes with a message put forth by society involving idealized or mythical body images. The paper relates that, in terms of treatment, the sociocultural method of theoretical explanation does not go as far as some of the other theoretical explanations of anorexia; although psychodynamic treatment programs may include sociocultural cues, it is primarily through examining motivations that anorexia nervosa is treated successfully.
From the Paper "The ideal body image has tended to wax and wane throughout history in terms of its representations: several hundred years ago in Europe, the idealized female form was curvaceous and ample, and excess weight on men denoted wealth and status. Today, however, society is putting forth a message that is quite different in its psychodynamic implications for young selves looking for perfection: thin is in, as they say, and is equated with emotional states of happiness, success, pride, and satiation. Being thin is seen as more than a physiological state by many young and old people alike: it is seen as being more of a lifestyle that connotes satiation and a general sense of fitting in with the rest of society. This is ironic domestically, as obesity levels in America continue to increase: if anyone is fitting in, it is these people."
Abstract This paper proposes an investigation limited to an examination of male anorexia nervosa in relationship to one measurable symptom, namely, obsessive-compulsive behavior. The paper contends that anorexia nervosa among male adolescents has not received the attention it deserves. The paper presents several questions regarding male anorexia nervosa that should be addressed in an effort to learn more about this disorder among male adolescents.
Outline
Abstract
Introduction and Literature Review
Research Methodology
Conclusion
From the Paper "Anorexia nervosa is not a new disorder in terms of dysfunctional adolescent development. Unfortunately however the disorder has long been thought of as being a female crisis rather than having much influence on adolescent male development. Further, there is, research evidence suggesting that anorexia nervosa is gender biased especially since one standard criterion for diagnosing anorexia is amenorrhea, or the absence of the menstrual cycle. As such there is no corresponding criterion for the male population. Because of the disparity of research findings regarding male adolescent anorexics there must exist caution when interpreting any of the formulated results."
