Anorexia

Nayira Warren&

Tiana Hobbs

What is Anorexia?

• Characterized by a profound distortion of body image and relentless pursuit of thinness that can lead to starvation.

• Refusal to maintain a healthy body weight

• Intense fear of gaining weight

Types of Anorexia

• Two types:– Restricting– Purging

• Restricting: takes back on calories and excessively exercises

• Purging: vomiting, taking laxatives, diet pills

• Etiology: interpersonal problems such as depression, loneliness, insecurities, family issues, and the pressures of being thin.

How is it Developed?

Symptoms

• the person is/has:– Constantly hiding their habits– Dieting although already thin– Sudden obsession with calories, fat

grams, etc. – Secretive food rituals– Compulsive exercise– Usage of diet pills

Gender Variation

• Affects both men and women, but more common in women ages 15-24. Although men are less likely to have this eating disorder, the rates for men developing it have increased.

• In the U.S alone about 10 million women and 1 million men are diagnosed with this eating disorder.

Treatment

• There are four components when treating Anorexia:1. Restore the person to a healthy weight2. Treat the psychological issue(s) related to the eating disorder3. Reduce or eliminate behaviors or thoughts that lead to disordered eating4. Prevent relapse

Treatment (cont.)

• Psychotherapy is very effective – Individual therapy– Group therapy– Family-based therapy

• Most effective care: supportive psychotherapy and medical attention

• With the correct treatment patients can return to a healthier lifestyle and become more confident in themselves.

Long term effects

• Starvation when the body is not properly fed• Multiple body systems slow down– Eventually the body will consume itself

• Tooth decay and gum damage

Levels of Analysis~Biological~

• May be genetic• Brain chemistry is significant• High levels of cortisol

(hormone related to stress)• Decreased levels of

serotonin and norepinephrine (feelings of well-being)

Levels of Analysis~Cognitive~

• Categorized as perfectionists and overachievers

• Internally feels worthless, inadequate, not good enough etc.

• Perfect life=ideal body image• “If I am not perfect I am a failure.”

Levels of Analysis~Socio-cultural~

• Influenced by society in which they live in• What they see is what they want– Ballet– Gymnastics– Magazine and runway models

• Parents– Extreme amounts of pressure– Criticize body weight

Works Cited• Anorexia Nervosa. (n.d.). Healer Point. Retrieved January 28, 2013, from

healerpoint.com/anorexia-nervosa.html • Signs of Anorexia Nervosa -- Anorexia Symptoms & Causes | Rosewood

Ranch Eating Disorder Treatment Center in Arizona. (n.d.). Rosewood Ranch Eating Disorder Treatment Center in Arizona. Retrieved January 28, 2013, from http://www.rosewoodranch.com/eating-disorder-information/signs-anorexia-nervosa-anorexia-symptoms-causes

• Eating Disorders- Effects on body - YouTube. (n.d.). YouTube. Retrieved January 28, 2013, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZrwQTxHoZw