Abstract This paper looks at anorexianervosa 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 This paper describes anorexianervosa, 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 This paper explains that anorexianervosa 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 AnorexiaNervosa What is AnorexiaNervosa?
Factors Causing AnorexiaNervosa Symptoms of AnorexiaNervosa Complications of AnorexiaNervosa 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 This paper explains the eating disorder Anorexianervosa 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 anorexianervosa and the other severe symptoms that may possibly come with the disease. The paper also lists several treatment methods for anorexianervosa including healthy eating plans and good family support.
Outline:
AnorexiaNervosa 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."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that anorexianervosa 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 AnorexiaNervosa 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 proposes an investigation limited to an examination of male anorexianervosa in relationship to one measurable symptom, namely, obsessive-compulsive behavior. The paper contends that anorexianervosa among male adolescents has not received the attention it deserves. The paper presents several questions regarding male anorexianervosa 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."
Abstract The writer of this paper details the symptoms of anorexianervosa 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 provides insight into anorexianervosa, 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 anorexianervosa, 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 This paper examines anorexianervosa, the medical term for an eating disorder condition, in a spectrum of eating disorders, which leads to risk of psychological and physiological complications. It looks at how anorexianervosa is a relatively new phenomenon; the condition became far more prevalent in the last few decades of the 20th century. It shows how, with the incidence of the condition increasing, along with the emergence of an entirely new eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, efforts to research the causes and appropriate treatments have increased as well.
From the Paper "The complexity of Anorexia Nervosa is evident by the vastness of the current definition, which focuses on symptomatic behavior and to that extent, provides a valuable diagnostic tool. However, it is vital to arrive at a definitive understanding of the underlying causes that lead to such symptomatic behavior in order to develop effective treatments and preventive solutions. A great deal of research effort has attempted to identify the exact causes of eating disorders. One major problem faced by such research attempts has been the difficulty of combining multiple causative factors into one model and finding suitable samples of patients. It is also important to bear in mind the relative infancy of the field itself when examining available data."
Abstract This paper discusses the history and treatment of anorexianervosa. It begins by analyzing its history and development since the times of Aristotle. The paper then looks at the predominant contributing factor to anorexianervosa over recent decades - that of the mass media. Finally, the paper discusses the treatment options for anorexia - intensive inpatient programs, residential or partial hospitalization programs and various outpatient programs.
Table of Contents:
History
Treatment
Appendix
Charts and Tables
From the Paper "To prevent relapse of the disorder, cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy is used. It is also common for clinicians to also make use of interpersonal and/or psychodynamically oriented individual or group psychotherapy to prevent relapse (Anonymous, 2006). "Because of anorexia nervosa's enduring nature, psychotherapeutic treatment is frequently required for at least 1 year and may take many years" (Anonymous, 2006, p. 8). Provided they have a good grounding in psychotherapy the patient may find support in 12-step groups such as Anorexics and Bulimics Anonymous or Overeaters Anonymous. These groups are often affiliated with the treatment program. The use of psychotropic medications after discharge is based on the individual patient's needs and their initial clinical presentation."
Abstract This paper presents a fictional case study of a young girl's battle with anorexianervosa. The disease is described through the story of 'Ellen'. The paper provides an overview of the signs and symptoms of the disorder and available treatments are discussed. Various theories of the etiology of the eating disorder are explained in this paper. Anorexianervosa is also compared and contrasted with bulimia.
From the Paper "Ellen enjoyed her life in high school. She excelled in her studies as well as in athletics, with hopes of achieving a college scholarship. She was popular but not ostentatious; a somewhat shy, attractive young woman with an average build (5?4? 115 #) toned by gymnastics. Having a strong parental influence in her life helped her to excel, but also made her constantly feel like her parents controlled her, that she had no sense of autonomy from them. The onset of puberty brought her attention from the boys at school, but, as she developed, her body started to change. Her breasts became larger, her hips became fuller, and her slender frame began to gain weight. At first Ellen enjoyed her transformation, she felt like she was becoming a woman. But her metamorphosis came at a price - she couldn?t perform her gymnastics as well, and she was pressured by her coach to go back to the "old Ellen". Her mother "suggested" she diet and exercise to lose weight, and she did. After a few short weeks she looked and felt better, not having realized that the insidious nature of her disease was already setting in, controlling her."
Abstract This paper explains that eating disorders affect people in all walks of life, including young boys, men, and women, but girls between the ages of 11 and 17 are at greatest risk. The cause of anorexianervosa is unknown; victims want everything in their lives to be perfect, and they blame themselves if it is not. The paper states that treatment for anorexianervosa is very difficult because the patients do not feel there is anything wrong with them. However, if the illness is diagnosed early, and the patient is willing to make a change, it can be reversed.
From the Paper "The medical complications associated with this illness are enormous and too numerous to list is this paper. People who die as a result of anorexia die from cardiac arrest or suicide. The mortality rate is about 5% for each decade and increases up to 20% for patients that have the illness for more than 20 years. Patients with anorexia may have dry skin and thinning hair on their head. They usually have a tendency to feel cold and are frequently ill. Girls usually stop having menstrual periods."
Abstract The essay looks at the limitations that insurance companies place on the treatment of patients who are sick the disease anorexianervosa. The premise of the paper is that anorexianervosa is a very serious condition and, if not properly treated, may lead to the patient's death. The paper brings cases in which insurance companies have forced termination or limited treatment.
From the Paper "This essay examines some of the issues related to the psychological disease anorexia nervosa. In "Starved Out", Cynthia Fox uses the example of two anorexic sisters to show that patients are often not reimbursed adequately from their insurance companies. Three more articles discovered show evidence that this is true. This essay will argue that anorexia nervosa is a serious, even deadly disease that is often not treated properly and adequately as patients are forced to terminate or limit their treatment due to limited benefits from insurance companies."
Abstract This paper examines incidences of anorexianervosa that are manifested in societies that are undergoing socio-economic transition. The paper looks at a research article that examines the Caribbean island of Curacao which has recent socio-cultural changes and is classified as an economy in transition. The paper evaluates the research design of this study and discusses how the research found no evidence that socioeconomic transition caused the emergence of anorexianervosa in Curacao. The paper also looks at this study's contributions to a wider understanding of eating disorders in general.
Outline:
Overview of Study
Implications of Study
From the Paper "Is anorexia nervosa a disease of affluence? Or does the disease occur across the globe as well? In their study, Hoek et al (2005) look at the growing incidences of anorexia nervosa in Curacao, an island in the Caribbean. The major goal of this research is to look at how anorexia nervosa incidences are manifested in societies that are undergoing socio-economic transition."
"The island of Curacao was chosen because it fits into the category of "new affluence." The island has its origins in plantation slavery and continues to be part of the Netherlands Antilles. After its humble beginnings, however, Curacao is enjoying an economic resurgence. It has been classified as a "high income" country by the World Bank, and is increasingly showing cultural influences from Europe as well as the United States. Such socio-cultural changes are fairly recent, however, and could readily be classified as an economy in transition."
Abstract This paper discusses the condition that plagues thousands of people each year, anorexianervosa. The author examines which populations frequently deal with the disease, the symptoms, the risks, and hospitalization and rehabilitation. The paper looks at the psychology behind this many times fatal eating disorder.
From the Paper:
"American society women are given the message starting from a very young age that in order to be successful and happy, they must be thin. Eating disorders are on the rise; it's not surprising given the value which society places on being thin. Television and magazine advertising show the image of glamorous and thin models are everywhere. Thousands of teenage girls are starving themselves daily in an effort to attain what the fashion industry considers to be the ideal figure. An average female model weighs 23% less than the recommended weight for a woman. Maintaining a weight 20% below your expected body weight fits the criteria for the emotional eating disorder known as anorexia."
