Anorexia

Hi guys!

This weeks topic is anorexia from a psychological point of view. If you are a sufferer or are recovered please get your views on this topic :)

The term anorexia nervosa mean 'lack of appetite induced by nervousness' however the lack of an appetite is not the problem. It is characterized by a fear of gaining weight and refusal to maintain normal weight (85% of expected weight) along with distorted perception of body and absence of 3 consecutive periods. 
Some have questioned the value of the DSM-IV criteria as studies have suggested women who menstruate but match all other criteria are just as ill. For men the equivalent of missed periods is a lack of sexual appetite and low testosterone. However, many who suffer from anorexia do not believe they have a problem. 
There are two types of anorexia:

• Restrictive- They limit the amount of food they take in, they often avoid eating infront of others and even dispose of their food secretly.
• Binge- Eating/Purging- The individual will purge as a compensatory behaviour through methods of self-induced vomiting, laxatives, diuretics and enemas.

The mortality rate of eating disordered females in more than 12 times higher than that of the general population. Death can result from anorexia either from consequence of starvation or suicidal behaviour. There is a lifetime prevalence of 0.5% with 10 females to every male with the disorder.

Eating disorder diagnosis are commonly associated with other disorders:

• 68% of those suffering with anorexia will be diagnosed with with depression (O'Brien and Vincent, 2003) and OCD (Kaye et al., 2004).
•  Binge eating anorexia has a frequent occurrence with substance abuse (Steiger et al., 1999) 
• Restrictive anorexia is associated with personality disorders (Skodol et al., 1993).
• Anorexia is associated with BPD (O'Brien & Vincent, 2003)
• More than one third of patients have engaged in some kind of self-harming behaviours for example cutting (Paul et al., 2002).

Clinical management for eating disorders is a serious challenge as patients are conflicted about getting better with 17% of people committed to hospital against their will (Watson et al, 2000). There has been a high therapy drop out rate and there is no evidence that medication works in the treatment with anorexia (Firburn & Harison, 2003). 

The treatment of choice for adolescents with anorexia is family therapy if the individual developed the disorder before they were 19 years old and had been suffering for less than three years.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is used in the treatment of anorexia. It focuses on changing behaviour and maladaptive thinking. There is a recommended length of 1-2 years and it is shown to reduce the severity of symptoms. 

Like with all treatments and disorder it takes will power and the drive in yourself to get to a good place and develop from the eating disorder. 

I would love to hear some personal experiences of anorexia and how you are over coming it.

Kayliegh

xox