Eating disorders



Eating disorder general symptoms:

x Inflexible thinking

x Changes in food pattern (refuses food when upset - Calorie Counting)

x Obsession with weight and weakness and tiredness.

x Potassium level changes o heart rhythm dysregulation or seizures.

Eating disorder protective factors:

x Psychological: high self-esteem, positive body image, good social skills and coping skills.

x Social / Cultural: eating meals with family, body shape acceptance culture, family don't overvalue weight.

Eating disorder risk factors:

x More common in female, Western world, middle or upper social class.

x Can run in families (genetics, family behaviour)

x Co-exist with depression, COD, PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder).

Anorexia

Symptoms:

x Increased perfectionism

x Poor concentration

x Intolerance of cold

x Change in exercise pattern

x Focus on making food for others instead

Diagnosis:

x BMT <17.5 restrict food or "binge and purge"

x Overvalued beliefs about weight or shape and Intense fear of gaining weight

x Absence of menstrual cycle in females (may be first sign)

Aetiology: risk factors include:

x Biological: genetics, serotonin dysregulation.

x Psychological: depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive behavior, perfectionism, low self-esteem.

x Developmental: parental attitudes, feeding problems in early life.

x Sociocultural: substance abuse, Image aware activity (ballet).

Treatment:

x Restore nutritional balance (aim for final BMI 20-25)

x Involve family in treatment, Family based treatment (FBI) more effective than individual.

Prognosis:

x 1/3 recovers completely, 1/3 improve, 1/3 develop chronic eating disorder, 5% die (Suicide or medical

complications) median time between diagnosis and death (11 years).