The Psychopathology of Eating Disorders: Anorexia Nervosa

Transcription

1 The Psychopathology of Eating Disorders: Anorexia Nervosa Amanda Sears I. INTRODUCTION The ideal image of perfection is different for everyone, for some the necessity for perfection controls their entire life. Perfection is one of the most common mental mindsets that bring people to suffer specifically from anorexia nervosa. In the article Psychopathology, psychopathology is defined to be a term which refers to the study of mental illness, behaviours, and experiences which may be indicative of mental illness or psychological impairment. In this report, I intend to focus on the psychopathology of the eating disorder anorexia nervosa, with my main points on the subject being, the physical differences within the body, the mental and emotional differences within the body, what may make someone more susceptible to having this eating disorder, and warning signs one should look for in family, friends, and themselves. II. PHYSICAL DIFFERENCES There are four confirmed regions in the brain that are different in a person with anorexia nervosa from a person who is healthy (see figure 2). The main area being the orbitofrontal cortex, this is involved in the control of sensory integration, and in decision-making and expectation. In simple terms, it plays a large role in regulating how much one eats. The orbitofrontal cortex is significantly larger when someone is currently suffering, or has suffered from anorexia nervosa. Another region of the brain is the right insula, which aids interoceptive awareness of body states. In other words, it too plays a large role in regulating how much one eats; and, just like the orbitofrontal

2 cortex, it too is much larger in the brains of those with anorexia nervosa (Mascarelli 4). However, in most cases, genes alone are not enough for an eating disorder to emerge. Some genes have been linked to a heightened risk of developing an eating disorder. But the illness may not emerge unless some mix of stresses and other factors also occurs (Mascarelli 5). Figure 1. The anorexic brain Scientists have also begun studying the lower mid-hypothalamus, which has been found to suppress hunger. In a recent study using rats, scientists found that when the lower mid-hypothalamus is stimulated, the rat will stop eating. Many believe that this too can be a physical difference in the brain structure of a healthy person and a person with anorexia (Myers 334). The argument whether genetics play a role in the susceptibility was one that was fought for many years. Ultimately a study showed that some genes can make someone more susceptible to developing an eating disorder. III. MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL STATES Mental and emotional states are the key ingredient to developing an eating disorder, this is especially true among those with anorexia nervosa. The outside world is what triggers an eating disorder nine times out of ten. (Epstein 890). A number of outside factors can cause damage to one's mental and emotional state and trigger an eating disorder. It could be anything that prompts initial weight loss or that makes someone feel as if they are not good enough. Another possible trigger: being unhappy with one s appearance, often starting around puberty. Body ideals are the biggest influence on men

3 and women with anorexia nervosa. The higher your body dissatisfaction, the more likely you are to become anorexic (Myers 331). Another extreme factor can be the relationship with one's family. The most prominent relationships that lead to problems with self imagery and eventually an eating disorder is the relationship between mother and daughter. This relationship has large effects on the mental and emotional state of both the mother and the daughter. When compared to mothers of girls with no disordered eating behaviors, mothers of daughters with disordered eating behaviors are more likely to have disordered eating habits and attitudes and are more likely to be critical of their daughters weight and appearance (Epstein 886). The media also plays a large role in the mental and emotional health of people all over the world. However, it s affects on those who struggle with the mental tendencies of an eating disorder, can put them over the edge. The National Eating Disorder Association stated, Numerous correlational and experimental studies have linked exposure to the thin ideal in mass media to body dissatisfaction, internalization of the thin ideal, and disordered eating among women. IV. WARNING SIGNS An anonymous source said, It is important to know the warning signs of anorexia, and to watch for them in your loved ones if you are suspicious of the presence. There are many warning signs, however some are less obvious than others. There are the the signs that are facile to see and understand such as, loss of appetite, exponential weight loss, obsession with dieting, and obsession with exercising. Here are a couple warning signs that are less obvious, but have just as much significance. A study was done among three universities on behavioral avoidance

4 strategies for individuals with body dissatisfaction. They found positive correlation between the types of clothing women with body dissatisfaction wore and eating disorders. These findings suggest that and sudden dislike in foods. Another dangerous impact: Anorexia can quickly lead to osteoporosis, which is a disease that causes your bones to thin and slowly deteriorate. (Ceranec3). the presence of certain clothing-related appearance management behaviors may be a warning sign that an individual is at risk for developing an eating disorder or may currently have an eating disorder (Trautmann 485). Another major warning sign is the obsession with eating healthy. Constantly calculating calories, and percentages within their meal along with a strict diet are all red flags. Frequent food restriction as well as a few other examples are major signs that you or someone you know needs to seek professional help immediately (see figure 2). Other equally important warning signs are frequent trips to the restroom, secretly binging on foods or hoarding food, frequent paleness or dizziness, Figure 2. The differences in those with anorexia and those who are almost anorexic. An anonymous source spoke of the importance to know the behavioral warnings signs, but emphasized that it is also important to know of the external warning signs as well as the internal dangers saying, Of course, anorexia nervosa affects much more than just

5 the brain. People with anorexia lose so much muscle that the heart, which is a muscle, can shrink and become extremely weak, making the heart inadequate to properly pump blood. They went on to say, Another way the heart can fail to function correctly is that the blood pumped may not circulate through the body efficiently. This explains why a person with an extreme case of anorexia nervosa will always feel cold, especially in the hands and feet. This domino effect of the weakening heart, to poor circulation, will eventually lead to decreased heart rate and blood pressure. Ultimately, it creates a high risk for heart failure. V. CONCLUSION There are many factors that cause someone to have an eating disorder, there is never just one cause. Different combinations of the wiring of the brain, genetics, mental and emotional health, and outside influences, greater than another. Depending on the person and the situation each can combine to create a deathly disorder. Eating disorders are challenging mental disorders attending treatment is highly recommended. It is important that those at a higher risk of eating disorders develop a high self-esteem early on in life. Studies show that people with high self-esteem are less likely to be depressed, anxious, shy, or lonely than those having low self-esteem. They develop fewer eating disorders, they speak out more, and it's easier for them to strike up friendships. And some therapies that boost self-esteem have positive effects. Anorexia is one of the two most common eating disorders in the 21st century. There are a large amount of warning signs that you or someone you love may be on the edge of anorexia nervosa. If so, it is strongly advised that they seek help immediately. birth an eating disorder. One factor is not

6 Works Cited Anonymous Interviewee Ceranec, Stephanie, et al. "Eating Disorder Symptoms and Effects." Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Mar Epstein, Leonard H., et al. "Food Reinforcement and Eating: A Multilevel Analysis." Psychological Bulletin, vol. 133, no. 5, Sept. 2007, pp EBSCO host. Web. 14 Mar Mascarelli, Amanda Leigh. "Eating disorders: The brain's foul trickery." "Psychopathology." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, Web. 30 Mar Sohn, Emily. "Worlds of self-esteem." Science News for Students. N.p., 03 July Web. 14 Mar Trautmann, Julianne, et al. "Body Dissatisfaction, Bulimic Symptoms, and Clothing Practices among College Women." Journal of Psychology, vol. 141, no. 5, Sept. 2007, pp EBSCO host. Web. 14 March Science News for Students. N.p., 04 July Web. 30 Mar Myers, David G. Myers' psychology for AP. New York, NY: Worth Publishers, Print. National Eating Disorders Association. "Media, Body Image, and Eating Disorders." N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Mar.