Anorexia Nervosa

Recognizing the Problem

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that is associated with a negative relationship with eating. The characteristics of anorexia nervosa often include limiting or purging while controlling food consumption despite feelings of hunger which often results in a substantially low BMI (Nolen-Hoeksema & Jennings, 2023). This is often accompanied with extreme anxious feelings surrounding eating and the prospect of gaining weight or changes in physical appearance due to food consumption (Nolen-Hoeksema & Jennings, 2023). Additional characteristics often include an inaccurate depiction and unwarranted internal pressure of one’s body image and weight and subsequently not identifying the dangerousness surrounding being underweight (Nolen-Hoeksema & Jennings, 2023). These dangers include bone damage/ loss, lower heart rates, inconsistent heart rates, heart failure, low blood pressure, electrolyte instabilities, digestion concerns, liver concerns, loss of a menstrual cycle in women, and even death (Nolen-Hoeksema & Jennings, 2023). Fortunately, there is support available to aid in combating symptoms associated with anorexia nervosa. 

Causes

The precise cause of anorexia nervosa is undefined. There is ethnic, gender, and cultural as well as comorbidities often associated with the disorder (Nolen-Hoeksema & Jennings, 2023). Studies have demonstrated that there is an increased rate of anorexia nervosa within Caucasian women compared to other ethnicities and men (Nolen-Hoeksema & Jennings, 2023). Research has also demonstrated increased rates of anorexia nervosa within American and European cultures often attributable to cultural norms (Nolen-Hoeksema & Jennings, 2023). Other potential causes and comorbidities may include an increased desire to be perfect and potentially obsessive-compulsive disorder, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorders (Healthdirect Australia, 2020). Eating disorders have been demonstrated to have genetic implications demonstrating an increased risk for developing an eating disorder if a family member has been diagnosed with an eating disorder (Nolen-Hoeksema & Jennings, 2023). In addition, sociocultural and psychological influences including societal demands of being slender and lean and the negative implications these ideals may have on self-esteem can increase the risk of a developing an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa (Nolen-Hoeksema & Jennings, 2023). 

Treatment

There are treatment options available to improve the quality of life for those who are suffering from anorexia nervosa. Psychotherapy has been demonstrated as an effective form of treatment for anorexia nervosa (Nolen-Hoeksema & Jennings, 2023). It is essential for therapy to focus on changing the maladaptive thoughts and behaviors associated with the disorder often including the negative and distorted body image perceptions and low self-worth (Nolen-Hoeksema & Jennings, 2023). Therefore, cognitive behavioral therapy has been established as an effective form of therapy utilized to alter the maladaptive thoughts and behaviors associated with the disorder (Nolen-Hoeksema & Jennings, 2023). Relaxation practices have also been demonstrated as an effective form of treatment to combat the anxious feelings that may occur before/ during eating (Nolen-Hoeksema & Jennings, 2023). Family therapy has also been demonstrated as an effective form of treatment as it aids in improving relationships within the family structure and encouraging family involvement in ensuring proper food consumption and weight management (Nolen-Hoeksema & Jennings, 2023). The use of antidepressants in conjunction with therapy may be beneficial for those who are experiencing symptoms of major depressive disorder as well as anorexia nervosa (Nolen-Hoeksema & Jennings, 2023). The most important aspect of ensuring the effectiveness of treatment is continuing to receive help and sincerely comprehending the negative implications of not receiving treatment. 

Treatment Team

Treatment for anorexia nervosa often includes a team of specialists. The team of specialists is often comprised of at least a medical practitioner and mental health professional and additional support may come from dietitians and family support (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2018). Each professional should have obtained the required licensure to perform the essential requirements of their occupation. It is essential for mental health professionals that are treating clients with anorexia nervosa to have obtained a minimum of a master’s degree in psychology, social work, or a PhD if administering medication (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2018). It is also beneficial but not a requirement if the mental health professional has received a certification in becoming a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (iaedp Foundation, 2022). 

Common Myths, Misperceptions, and Stigmas

There are myths, misperceptions, and stigmas surrounding eating disorders and specifically anorexia nervosa. Common myths, misperceptions, and stigmas associated with anorexia nervosa include that only women can experience anorexia nervosa despite both men and women experiencing the disorder; eating disorders including anorexia nervosa are only experienced by those who are wealthy; only Caucasian ethnicities experience poverty; only young individuals experience eating disorders (Nwuba, 2022). Although more prevalent in women, research has demonstrated that 25 percent of patients diagnosed with anorexia nervosa are men (Nwuba, 2022). Several studies have demonstrated that anorexia nervosa has a greater impact on families who are experiencing poverty when compared to higher income families (Nwuba, 2022). Eating disorders including anorexia nervosa can affect anyone despite their ethnicity (Nwuba, 2022). Anorexia nervosa can affect any individual at any age and because of the persistent nature of the disorder it can occur throughout an individual’s lifetime (Nwuba, 2022). Overall, there are available resources to treat anorexia nervosa and it begins with recognizing the signs, symptoms, and seeking support. 

References

Anorexia nervosa. Healthdirect Australia. (2020, July). https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/anorexia-nervosa 

Fazeli, P. K., & Klibanski, A. (2018). Effects of anorexia nervosa on bone metabolism. Endocrine reviews, 39(6), 895-910. https://doi.org/10.1210/er.2018-00063

iaedp Foundation. (2022). Certification overview. http://www.iaedp.com/certification-overview/

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2018, February 20). Anorexia nervosa. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anorexia-nervosa/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353597 

Nolen-Hoeksema, S., & Jennings, H. (2023). Abnormal psychology (9^th ed.). McGraw Hill. 

Nwuba, C. (2022, February 17). 7 myths about eating disorders - the food medic. The Food Medic - | by Dr Hazel Wallace. https://thefoodmedic.co.uk/2022/02/7-myths-about-eating-disorders/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=7-myths-about-eating-disorders