Essay on Biological Causes of Anorexia Nervosa and...

Biological Causes of Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa affect millions of people each year in the United States (1). Popular thought holds that these disorders are caused by women trying to fulfill a culturally imposed ideal body image which stresses thinness. As anorexia and bulimia have proven difficult to treat solely with a psychological-based treatment plan it is likely that there are many factors contributing to these disorders. Research has shown, however, that there is a significant biological component which leads to a manifestation of these disorders (2). Current ideas on the biological origins of anorexia and bulimia will be explored in this paper. These include areas ranging from†¦show more content†¦There is a tremendous discord between actual weight and perceived body weight. While the woman may feel fat she is actually excessively underweight. When she came in for consultation she looked like a walking skeleton. Alma insisted that she looked fine and that there was nothing wron g with her being so skinny. I enjoy having this disease and I want it. I cannot convince myself that I am sick and that there is anything from which I have to recover. (3) Bulimia nervosa is a related disorder which affects two to three percent of young American women (1). This disease is most commonly described as the cycle of eating huge quantities of food, thousands of calories in one sitting, then ridding the body of this food through some form of self purging. Purging is accomplished through excessive exercise, abuse of laxatives or diuretics, enemas, or vomiting. Many of these methods are often incorporated simultaneously. The bulimic frequently thinks this practice of bingeing and purging is disgusting and does so in private, making it hard to detect and treat. Lisa would eat pounds of candy and cake at a time, and often not stop until she was exhausted or in severe pain. Then, overwhelmed with guilt and disgust, she would make herself vomit. (1) Studies have shown genetic predisposition for developing an eating disorder. Females in a family which has a member with an eating disorders are more likely then average women to developShow MoreRelatedEating Disorders And Their Effects On Victims Of Them1281 Words   |  6 Pagescoping mechanism is a cause of eating disorders. They are often paired with other afflictions like depression, anxiety, and abuse. There are three most common eating disorders that will be discussed in this essay, the first one being discussed is anorexia nervosa. Anorexia nervosa is defined as an eating disorder in which people suffer an obsession over their weight and body image, resulting in self-starvation and exaggerated weight loss. Many suffering with anorexia severely restricted theRead MoreEating Disorders And The Body Image1573 Words   |  7 Pagesimage. An eating disorder is an ailment that causes severe imbalances to your diet habits that you use everyday, such as gluttonously overeating or not taking in a healthy amount of food. At first, a person with an eating disorder would eat a smaller or larger portion of food, but at some point, the drive to eat less or more becomes out of control. Researchers are finding that eating disorders are caused by a complex interaction of genetic, biological, behavioral, psychological, and social factorsRead MoreTaking a Look at Eating Disorders1708 Words   |  7 Pagesmental as well as physical health. Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are the most common types. Others are binge eating disorder and eating disorder not otherwise specified. 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Since the individual with bulimia nervosa is overanxiousRead MoreThe Three Main Types Of Eating Disorders1305 Words   |  6 PagesEating Disorders The three main types of eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating, are complex pschyatriac disorders. The classification and diagnosis of each disorder is challenging because diagnostic symptoms and behaviours overlap. These disorders consist of various biological, psychological and sociological factors. They frequently coexist with other illnesses such as depression, substance abuse, or anxiety disorders. (ANAD) Eating disorders are commonly associatedRead MoreEssay about Anorexia1456 Words   |  6 PagesAssociation of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, there are over 24 Million people that suffer from eating disorders.   What is an eating disorder though?   The simple definition of this disease is that a person exhibits abnormal eating behaviors.   There are many different variations to these disorders but they share many of the same characteristics such as: fear of becoming obese, obsession with thinness, food, weight, and even calorie counting.   Of the many cases though what is the main cause of thisRead MoreEating Disorders : Bulimia Nervosa1383 Words   |  6 PagesBulimia Nervosa â€Å"Up to 30 million people of all ages and genders suffer from an eating disorder† (Wade, Keski- Rahkonen, Hudson, 1995). There are many factors which contribute to the development of eating disorders including â€Å"biology, emotional health, and societal expectation, and other issues† (â€Å"Diseases and Conditions Bulimia nervosa†). One of the most prominent eating disorders in America and around the globe has been around since the Middle Ages: â€Å"Bulimia is first reliably described amongRead MoreEating Disorders And Anorexia Nervosa1152 Words   |  5 Pagesdisorders, Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa, has risen notably amongst women in the Western World. Eating disorders (EDs) are mental disorders â€Å"characterized by a persistent disturbance of eating or eating-related behavior that results in the altered consumption or absorption of food and that significantly impairs physical health or psychosocial functioning† (American Psychiatric Association (APA), 2013). The most well-known types of eating disorders are Anorexia and Bulimia. Anorexia is characterizedRead MoreEating Disorders Are Serious Mental Illnesses That Are Not A Choice1535 Words   |  7 PagesThere are many different kinds of eating disorders, but the cause of them is not completely known. The symptoms of eating disorders include obsession with food, appearance, and weight. There are ways to cope with and treat eating disorders with the help of a therapist that is specially trained in eating disorders. The exact cause of eating disorders is not known. Though it is unknown, â€Å"it is generally believed that a combination of biological, psychological, and/or environmental abnormalities contributeRead MoreEye Opener : The Mind And Body1478 Words   |  6 Pagesmost common are Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating. It is only human to wish to look differently or want to lose weight; however, many young people choose an unhealthy route to achieve these goals. The main cause of Anorexia Nervosa is unknown but there a lot of leading factors such as depression, anxiety, being bullied at school, etc. â€Å"Anorexia is a complex condition that arises from a combination of many social, emotional, and biological factors† (Anorexia Nervosa: Signs, Symptoms