Chapter 10 - Learning Outcomes (Eating Disorders)

“Describe the characteristics and main diagnostic criteria of the three main eating disorders.”

• Anorexia Nervosa (AN)

• Bulimia Nervosa (BN)

• Binge-Eating Disorder (BED)

Anorexia Nervosa (AN)

• Persistent restriction of energy intake;

• Significantly low body weight;

• Intense fear of weight gain;

• Disturbances in body image.

The disorder centres on effort to control weight, often through extreme dieting, fasting, or purging.

Bulimia Nervosa (BN)

• Recurrent binge-eating episodes;

• Recurrent inappropriate compensatory behaviours (e.g., vomiting, laxatives, exercise);

• Self-evaluation overly influenced by shape/weight;

BNcan occur at normal body weight, making it less visible.

Binge-Eating Disorder (BED)

• Recurrent binge episodes (large intake + loss of control);

• No regular compensatory behaviours;

• Marked distress about binge eating.

Often associated with obesity, emotional eating, and shame.

“Describe the cultural and demographic distribution of eating disorders, and explain why it is important.”

• Cultural distribution;

• Demographic distribution;

• Why this matters.

cultural distribution

Eating disorders were once seen as Western, but are now found across many cultures as thin-ideas pressures spread globally.

demographic distribution

Most common in:

• Adolescents and young aduts;

• Females (especially for AN & BN)

But occur in all genders, ages, and ethnicities.

why this matters (“Describe the cultural and demographic distribution of eating disorders, and explain why it is important.”)

Understanding cultural and demographic patterns helps identify:

• Who is at risk;

• How social norms influence symptoms;

• How to tailor prevention and treatment for different groups

“Compare and contrast risk factors across genetic, developmental, cultural, and psychological levels.

• Genetic risk factors;

• Developmental risk factors;

• Cultural risk factors;

• Psychological risk factors;

• Comparing risk levels.

genetic risk factors

Family and twin studies show genetic vulnerability, influencing traits like perfectionism, anxiety, and appetite regulation.

developmental risk factors

Includes childhoof adversity, early dieting, puberty-related body changes, and family dynamics around weight/shape.

cultural risk factors

Thin-ideal internalisation, media pressures, social comparison, and appearance-focused cultures increase risk.

psychological risk factors

Low self-esteem, perfectionism, emotional disregulation, and body dissatisfaction all contribute to vulnerability.

comparing risk levels

• Genetic = biological predisposition

• Developmental = life-history contributors

• Cultural = social/environmental pressures

• Psychological = internal traits and emotions

Eating disorders emerge from the interaction of these layers.

“Describe, compare, and contrast at least two interventions used to treat eating disorders.”

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT-E);

• Family-Based Therapy (FBT/Maudsley Method);

• Comparing interventions.

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT-E)

A leading treatment targeting:

• Restrictive eating;

• Binge-purge cycles;

• Overvaluation of weight/shape

Helps patients normalise eating and challenge distorted beliefs.

Family-Based Therapy (FBT / Maudsley Method)

Common for adolescents with AN.

• Parents take responsibility for refeeding;

• Gradual return of control to the adolescnet;

• Focus on restoring weight and family support.

comparing interventions

• CBT-E adresses individual thoughts and behaviours.

• FBT shifts focus tofamily involvement and weight restoration.

Choice depends on age, diagnosis, severity, and family context.