Eating Disorders

What is the key characteristic of Anorexia Nervosa?

Dietary restriction leading to low body weight.

What BMI is considered a diagnostic guideline for Anorexia Nervosa?

• Less than 18.5 BMI.

What are the main behaviors associated with Anorexia Nervosa?

Intense fear of weight gain, excessive exercise, eating tiny portions, and body image distortion.

What are the two subtypes of Anorexia Nervosa?

• Restrictive Type (AN-R): Restrictive eating, absence of bingeing/purging, compulsive exercise.

• Binge-Purge Type (AN-BP): Recurrent binge eating and/or purging.

What are some concerns with using BMI as a primary measure for diagnosing AN?

• It may delay diagnosis, discourage treatment, and overlook serious cases. Rapid weight loss can still be dangerous even if BMI is in the normal range.

What are alternative methods to assess the severity of Anorexia Nervosa?

• Evaluating physical symptoms (e.g., heart rate, electrolytes), psychological distress, and behaviors.

What defines a binge episode in Bulimia Nervosa?

• Eating an unusually large amount of food within a 2-hour span with a loss of control.

What kinds of food are typically consumed during a binge?

High-calorie foods that the person normally restricts.

What is the DSM-5-TR criteria for Bulimia Nervosa?

Recurrent binge eating, inappropriate compensatory behaviors (e.g., vomiting, fasting, laxatives, excessive exercise), and over-evaluation of weight/shape.

How does Bulimia Nervosa differ from Anorexia Nervosa?

Individuals with BN do not have significantly low body weight.

11. How often must binge and purging occur for a diagnosis of Bulimia Nervosa?

At least for three months.

Do individuals with Bulimia only binge?

No, they often restrict their eating outside of binges.

How is Binge Eating Disorder different from Bulimia?

BED includes binge eating but does not involve compensatory behaviors (e.g., purging, excessive exercise).

14. What is the time requirement for a BED diagnosis?

• Binge eating must occur for at least three months.

What is a key emotional symptom of BED?

Marked distress about binge eating.

Which psychiatric disorder has the highest mortality rate?

Eating disorders, particularly Anorexia Nervosa.

What are common medical complications of eating disorders?

Cardiac issues (electrolyte imbalances, slowed heart rate), dental problems, anemia, and suicide risk.

Why are eating disorders underdiagnosed in men?

Due to stigma and misconceptions that EDs are a "female issue."

How do eating disorders present differently in men?

More focus on muscle gain, leanness, and physique control, especially in athletes and the gay community.

What is Muscle Dysmorphia?

A subtype of Body Dysmorphic Disorder involving an obsession with muscularity

What are barriers men face in seeking treatment?

Social stigma, medical professionals overlooking symptoms, and lack of research on men with EDs.

What are the three main factors contributing to eating disorders?

Sociocultural factors, biological factors, and psychological factors.

How does diet culture contribute to eating disorders?

Glorification of thinness, media influence, stigmatization of larger bodies, and healthcare bias.

What are some biological risk factors for eating disorders?

Genetics, with high heritability in AN (50-80%) and BN (50-60%).

26. What personality traits are linked to eating disorders?

Perfectionism, impulsivity, anxiety, black-and-white thinking, and low self-esteem.

How can childhood experiences influence eating disorders?

Parental attitudes, trauma, high-control family dynamics, and social comparison pressure.

Why do some trauma survivors develop eating disorders?

As a coping mechanism (e.g., restriction for control, bingeing for relief).

What are common barriers to seeking help for an eating disorder?

Denial, shame, stigma, and the eating disorder serving a psychological function.

What therapy is commonly used to treat eating disorders?

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

What are some treatment strategies in CBT for eating disorders?

Weight restoration, exposure therapy to feared foods, and a regular eating schedule.

What is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) used for in ED treatment?

Mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotional regulation.

What are key goals of eating disorder treatment?

• Develop new coping strategies, improve body acceptance, and establish a positive social environment.