Disorders of Neurovegetative Function: Feeding, Eating and Sleep–Wake Disorders

Flashcards on Disorders of Neurovegetative Function: Feeding, Eating and Sleep–Wake Disorders

Neurovegetative functions

Functions directly related to the body and central to life (activities of survival), e.g., eating and sleeping.

Impact of Eating and Sleeping Disturbances

Persistent disturbances to eating and sleeping affect both physical and psychological health.

Anorexia Nervosa

Restriction of food/energy intake leading to a significant low body weight, intense fear of gaining weight, persistent behaviour that interferes with weight gain, disturbance in how body weight/shape is viewed, and lack of recognition of the seriousness of low body weight.

Restricting Type Anorexia Nervosa

Weight loss primarily accomplished through dieting, fasting and/or exercising (no binge eating or purging behaviour in the past 3 months).

Binge-Eating/Purging Type Anorexia Nervosa

Recurrent episodes of binge-eating and purging behaviour in the past 3 months.

Professions Often Associated with Anorexia

Models, ballet dancers and gymnasts.

Comorbid Psychological Disorders with Anorexia

High rate of anxiety disorders & OCD, substance abuse are common; 18 x more likely to die by suicide.

Bulimia Nervosa

Recurrent episodes of binge eating and inappropriate compensatory behaviour to prevent weight gain (e.g. self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, fasting, excessive exercising).

Characteristics of Bulimia

Guilt, shame or regret; foods consumed are often high in sugar, fat or carbohydrates; most are within 10% of normal body weight.

Comorbid Psychological Disorders with Bulimia

Up to 80% experience an anxiety disorder; 50–70% met criteria for a mood disorder; Higher lifetime rates of substance abuse.

Binge-Eating Disorder

Recurrent episodes of binge eating, but not associated with compensatory behaviours.

Characteristics of Binge-Eating Episodes

Eating much more rapidly than normal, eating until feeling uncomfortably full, eating large amounts of food when not physically hungry, eating alone, feeling disgusted.

Populations Often Seen with Binge-Eating Disorder

People who are involved in weight-control programmes & candidates for bariatric surgery.

Psychological and Social Influences on Eating Disorders

Anxiety focused on appearance, distorted body image, cultural pressures to be thin, family interactions.

Biological Vulnerability and Eating Disorders

Excessive neurobiological responsiveness to adverse life events, negative emotions and ‘mood intolerance’ may trigger binge-eating.

Initial Goal of Eating Disorder Treatment

Treat physical complications & restore the patient’s weight through inpatient treatment at a specialized unit.

Pharmacological Treatments for Eating Disorders

Used to treat co-morbid depression, anxiety and OCD; SSRIs may help reduce bingeing and purging behavior; Generally ineffective for anorexia nervosa.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Eating Disorders

Focus on distorted evaluation of body weight/shape, address maladaptive compensating behaviour; Psychoeducation on the adverse effects of bingeing, purging and dieting.

Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)/Family Therapy for Eating Disorders

Address negative & dysfunctional communication regarding food and eating.