Assignment#3: Eating Disorders and Treatment

Assignment#3: Eating Disorders and Treatment

Introduction

The purpose of this assignment is to discuss the causes and treatment of “Anorexia Nervosa” eating disorder. Anorexia or anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that involves a loss of weight caused by the patient that may lead to a state of starvation, i.e. a situation of great weakness caused by inadequate intake of essential nutrients. Anorexia nervosa by contrast, is not a symptom, but a specific disease characterized by self-induced weight loss accompanied by a distortion of body image and can have very serious consequences for the health of the sufferer.

Anorexia nervosa is a disorder of eating behavior. Its main feature establishes a self-induced loss of weight caused by an abnormal concern, which is later manifested through excessive control of food intake (Levitt, 2001). It usually presents in adolescence (14-18 years old), also later age (20-40 years). It is more common in women, although there are several cases in men. There are two different types of Anorexia found around the globe.

Restricting type: the ones who are suffering from this type of anorexia do not use drugs or nausea to lose weight. Even though, they do not eat too much due to the fear of gaining weight and becoming out of shape.

Binge- Eating Type: in this type of Anorexia people eat too much at one time and then get it clear by vomiting, exercising too much or by using laxatives. Usually, this act is done by wrestlers.

Causes and symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa

The real cause that causes this disorder is unknown. There are many theories to explain their appearance, most of them affecting the psychological as primarily involved. But eating disorders may also cause physical biochemical. Although there are many cultural factors that can trigger anorexia, it is likely that ...