Addictive & Unhealthy behaviours

chapter 21

Anorexia Nervosa

• intense fear of gaining weight: this fear manifests itself through depriving the body of food

• food intake restriction: may lead to significantly low body weight

• distorted body image: a person’s perception of their body size. Generally, they see themselves as overweight

Bulimia

an episodic eating pattern of uncontrollable food bingeing followed by purging & characterized by:

• awareness that the pattern is abnormal

• fear of being unable to stop eating voluntarily

• depressed mood

• self-deprecation

understanding bulimia

• condition is severe but less severe than anorexia

• bulimia can lead to anorexia

• bulimic people are aware they have a problem

characteristics of bulimia

• recurrent eating

• sense of lacking control over eating behaviour during binges

• engaging in regular self-induced vomiting, use of laxatives/diuretics, strict dieting/fasting, vigorous exercise to prevent weight gain

• avg minimum of 2 binge-eating episodes a week for 3 months

• persistent overconcern with body shape & weight

disordered eating

• covers a spectrum of exaggerated eating patterns involving increased health risks

• the extremes are anorexia & bulimia

• have psychological symptoms of an eating disorder but no official diagnosis

why is accurate assessment of EDs in sport difficult to achieve

• fear of being dropped from the program

• questionable accuracy of studies, so data must be viewed with caution

Predisposing factors of ED

• weight restrictions & standards

• coach & peer pressure

• sociocultural factors

• performance demands

• judging criteria

• critical comments about body shape & weight

• genetic & biological factors

• mediating factors

internal factors contributing to the onset of ED symptoms

• negative mood

• low self esteem

• perfectionism in achievement

• desire for control

external factors contributing to the onset of ED symptoms

• negative influences on self-esteem

• hurtful relationships

• hurtful role models

• sport performance

Recognition & referral of an athletes with EDs

• be able to recognize the physical & psychological signs & symptoms of these conditions

• if you suspect an ED, make a referral to a specialist

Making referrals for EDs

• a person who has rapport with the affected individual should schedule a private meeting to discuss the matter

• emphasize feelings rather than directly focusing on eating behaviours

• be supportive of athlete & treatment recommendations & keep all information confidential

• consistently show concern for athlete

• avoid using term ED

• make & have ready potential referrals to specific clinic/specialist

Recommendations for coaches to prevent EDs

• promote proper nutritional practices

• focus on fitness, not body weight

• be sensitive to weight issues

• promote healthy management of weight

• teach mental skills

Recommendations for parents to prevents EDs

• provide emotional support

• encourage the use of professional treatment

• become educated about eating

recommendations for athletes to prevent EDs

• keep hope that recovery is possible

• determine the underlying cause & triggers

• seek professional treatment

• reach out to important people in your life for emotional support

• focus on benefits of recovery

• put your life & ED behaviours into perspective

Problem of substance abuse

• 98% of elite athletes said they would take banned performance-enhancing substances with the guarantee: they wouldn’t be caught and would win

• 66% of athletes would take banned substances if it meant they would die from side effects