Bulimia Nervosa and Related Disorders

These flashcards cover vocabulary and key concepts related to bulimia nervosa, anorexia, mood disorders, PTSD, and schizophrenia, providing a comprehensive review for exam preparation.

Bulimia Nervosa

An eating disorder characterized by binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors like self-induced vomiting.

Binge

Eating an amount of food larger than most people would during a similar period, often accompanied by a feeling of loss of control.

Compensatory behavior

Actions taken to prevent weight gain following binge eating, including vomiting, misuse of laxatives, and excessive exercise.

Russell's sign

Physical sign indicating bulimia nervosa, characterized by red or dry knuckles from self-induced vomiting.

Swollen parotid glands

Physiological effect often seen in individuals with bulimia nervosa due to vomiting.

Electrolyte imbalance

A condition that can occur from purging behaviors in bulimia, potentially leading to serious health issues like stroke.

Peak age of onset for bulimia

Between 15 and 21 years.

SSRIs

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, a class of medications effective in treating bulimia nervosa, particularly fluoxetine.

Fluoxetine

An SSRI that has been shown to reduce binge and vomiting episodes in patients with bulimia.

Appetite awareness training

A therapeutic approach designed to help patients recognize and respond to their hunger cues.

Anorexia Nervosa

An eating disorder defined by persistent restriction of energy intake and often accompanied by an intense fear of weight gain.

Binge-eating-purging type

A subtype of anorexia where the individual engages in binging and purging behaviors.

Driven exercise

Excessive physical activity used to control weight, commonly seen in anorexia nervosa.

Minnesota starvation experiment

A study that demonstrated the psychological and physical effects of starvation on healthy male participants.

Perfectionism

A risk factor associated with the development of eating disorders, characterized by setting excessively high standards.

Anorexia nervosa subtypes

Restricting type and binge-eating-purging type are subcategories of anorexia based on behaviors.

Bipolar disorder

A mood disorder characterized by fluctuations between manic and depressive episodes.

Mixed features

A state where symptoms of both mania and depression are present during mood episodes.

Family-focused therapy

A treatment approach aimed at reducing relapse rates in patients with bipolar disorder by addressing family dynamics.

Complex PTSD

A more severe form of PTSD arising from prolonged trauma, often leading to greater functional impairments.

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

A therapeutic approach for PTSD that combines cognitive therapy and exposure techniques.

Dopamine hypothesis

The theory that an overactivity of dopamine transmission in certain brain regions contributes to the symptoms of schizophrenia.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

A common therapeutic approach aimed at addressing dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors in various mental health disorders.

Prazosin

A medication that has shown effectiveness in treating PTSD symptoms, particularly nightmares.

Negative Cognitive Triad

A cognitive model suggesting that depression is characterized by negative views of the self, the world, and the future.

Mood Episode

A distinct period in which a person experiences symptoms of a mood disturbance.

Lithium Carbonate

A first-line treatment for bipolar disorder, effective in stabilizing mood.

Meta-analysis on ECT

A review showing that Electroconvulsive Therapy is effective in treating severe depression with transient cognitive side effects.

Antipsychotic medications

Drugs such as clozapine and risperidone used to manage symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Epidemiology of anorexia

Anorexia nervosa has a high prevalence among females, up to 4%.

Media influence

Societal factor contributing to eating disorders by promoting unrealistic body images.

Chronic undernutrition

Long-term energy deficiency affecting multiple organ systems, as seen in anorexia nervosa.

Clozapine

An atypical antipsychotic known for treating treatment-resistant schizophrenia.

Avolition

A symptom of schizophrenia characterized by a lack of motivation or goal-directed behavior.

Cognitive theories of depression

The perspective that negative thoughts and interpretations can contribute significantly to depressive symptoms.

Circadian rhythms in bipolar disorder

Disruptions in biological clocks that may affect the mood episodes experienced in bipolar disorder.

Extrapyramidal side effects

Movement disorders resulting from antipsychotic treatment, including tremors and rigidity.

Anxiety as a risk factor

Anxiety disorders can precede and contribute to the development of eating disorders.

Hypervigilance

Excessive alertness to potential threats, commonly seen in PTSD.

Familial patterns in schizophrenia

There is a strong genetic link, but the majority of individuals with schizophrenia do not have a history of the disorder in their family.

Anhedonia

The inability to experience pleasure, often a symptom of major depressive disorder.

Sleep deprivation effects

Can lead to elevated risk of mood disorders and exacerbate existing symptoms.

Social influences in PTSD

Supportive social environments can help mitigate symptoms while lack of support can exacerbate them.

Behavioral therapy for mood disorders

Interventions designed to help individuals overcome depressive symptoms by increasing engagement in valued activities.

Acute stress disorder

An anxiety disorder that can occur in the aftermath of trauma, characterized by symptoms that arise shortly after the event.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

A type of antidepressant that works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain.

Almost all eating disorders occur in females

Despite significant under-reporting, 90-95% of bulimia nervosa cases are reported in females.

Illness with unintended weight loss

A potential risk factor for the development of anorexia nervosa.

Common barriers to treatment in eating disorders

Stereotypes and stigma surrounding eating disorders can prevent individuals from seeking help.

Psychosocial predictors of schizophrenia relapse

Living with families exhibiting high expressed emotions increases risk of relapse in individuals with schizophrenia.

Suicidal behavior in anorexia nervosa

Individuals with anorexia are at an increased risk of suicide, especially those with binge-eating-purging subtype.

Social withdrawal

A symptom often seen in individuals with schizophrenia, reflecting their difficulties in interpersonal relationships.

Delusions

Firmly held beliefs that are contrary to reality and are a common symptom of schizophrenia.

Psychotic symptoms in mood disorders

Can include hallucinations and delusions that occur alongside mood disturbances.

Cognitive distortions

Negative thought patterns that influence how individuals perceive themselves and their environment.

Cognitive dissonance in eating disorders

Conflicting beliefs about body image and self-worth contribute to the maintenance of eating disorders.

Coping strategies for PTSD

Techniques to help individuals manage their PTSD symptoms, such as exposure therapy.

Transgender individuals and eating disorders

Transgender students report disordered eating at four times the rate of cisgender students.

Bulimia diagnostics

Diagnosis requires binge/purge behaviors occurring at least once a week for three months.

Substance abuse in eating disorders

Cannabis usage can worsen eating disorders and psychiatric symptoms, illustrating the need to address co-occurring disorders.

Prolonged exposure therapy

A treatment method for PTSD that involves gradual exposure to trauma-related thoughts and memories.

Treatment guidelines for depression

Involves a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments.

Seasonal affective depression

A subtype of major depressive episodes that follow a seasonal pattern, often related to light exposure.

Substance-induced mood disorder

A mood disorder triggered by the use of substances, including drugs and alcohol.

Neurobiological aspects of PTSD

Structural and functional changes in the brain associated with the development and maintenance of PTSD.

Recurrent depressive episodes

The nature of depression is often episodic, with periods of mood stability occurring between episodes.

Cognitive restructuring

A technique in cognitive therapy aimed at altering negative thought patterns.

Motivational interviewing

A therapeutic approach that helps individuals resolve ambivalence and enhance motivation for change.

Family interventions for schizophrenia

Programs designed to educate families about the disorder and reduce relapse rates.

Heart rate variability

A measure of autonomic nervous system function that can be affected by anxiety and mood disorders.

Body image disturbances

Common in eating disorders, these involve negative perceptions of one's body size and shape.

Medical insights on ECT

Electroconvulsive therapy is often effective for severe depression but can have temporary cognitive side effects.

Psychoeducation for families

Educating family members about mental health conditions to enhance support for affected individuals.

Psychiatric symptoms and cannabis use

Heavy cannabis use is linked to worsening psychotic symptoms, highlighting the need for comprehensive treatment.

Medication adherence in mental health

Sticking to prescribed medication can significantly affect treatment outcomes for severe psychiatric conditions.

Antidepressants efficacy

Effectiveness of medications varies by individual, including different responses to SSRIs and tricyclics.

Persistent depressive disorder

A chronic form of depression lasting two years or more, characterized by depressive symptoms.

Triggers for eating disorders

Stressful life transitions or the onset of diets can precipitate disordered eating behaviors.

Social support in treatment

Strong support networks can significantly enhance treatment outcomes in mood and anxiety disorders.

Negative emotionality

Emotional instability can predispose individuals to various psychiatric conditions, including mood and anxiety disorders.

Vulnerability to trauma

Certain individual characteristics increase the likelihood of developing PTSD following a trauma.

Psychosocial factors in mood disorders

Life stressors and social circumstances play crucial roles in the onset and progression of mood disorders.

Somatic symptoms in depression

Physical manifestations of depression, including changes in sleep patterns, energy levels, and appetite.

Hyperarousal in PTSD

A state of heightened anxiety and reactivity that can follow exposure to traumatic events.

Menopausal transition and psychosis

The onset of psychotic symptoms can correlate with hormonal changes during menopause.

Developmental factors in eating disorders

Characteristics such as impulsivity or perfectionism can predispose individuals to eating disorders.

Early intervention in schizophrenia

Identifying and treating symptoms as soon as possible can lead to better long-term outcomes.

Anxiety disorder comorbidity

Many individuals with eating disorders also experience anxiety disorders, complicating treatment.

Cognitive biases in anxiety

Distorted thought patterns can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and affect mood stability.

Neurotransmitter imbalances

Alterations in neurotransmitter levels can contribute to both mood and anxiety disorders.

Support groups for disordered eating

Provide a space for individuals recovering from eating disorders to share experiences and support one another.

Binge eating disorders

Characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food without subsequent purging.

Negative self-evaluation

Undue influence of body image on self-worth is prevalent in many eating disorders.

Acute symptoms of PTSD

Re-experiencing symptoms that can manifest immediately after a traumatic event.

Dislocation of self and reality

Experiences like depersonalization and derealization commonly associated with stress and trauma.

Transdiagnostic approaches in treatment

Interventions that target symptoms across different mental disorders for holistic recovery.

Cognitive challenges in depression

Individuals with depression often face difficulties in cognitive processing and decision-making.

Risk of suicide in mood disorders

The prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempts is significantly heightened in individuals with mood disorders.

Peer support in bipolar disorder

Support from peers with similar experiences can enhance recovery and coping strategies.

Gender differences in eating disorders

While eating disorders predominantly affect females, males also experience significant rates but are often underdiagnosed.