Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa Discussion
For this week’s discussion assignment, respond to the following: What is the primary distinguishing feature between Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa? Review the research findings on societal and familial factors which can contribute to the manifestation and maintenance of these disorders.
Remember that all posts are graded for substance and thoughtful consideration of the discussion topic. Your post must also end with a “Question to the Class” – something related to the topic that you found thought-provoking and about which you’d like to know more and have further dialog.
Classmate 1:
Hello classmates,
In our readings this week, we learned about eating disorders such as Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa.
Anorexia Nervosa’s criteria of focus is restricted energy intake which can be in the form of a decrease in food intake or exercising excessively. This is followed by maintaining a low weight, a terrified feeling of gaining weight (specifically fatness), self-esteem that is reliant on one’s body image, and a distorted view of one’s body/shape. Within Anorexia Nervosa, we learned that there can be subtypes such as restricted anorexia or a combination of recurrent episodes of binge eating, which is then followed by purging for months at a time. Another interesting thing learned about Anorexia Nervosa is obsessive compulsive disorders are three times as common with individuals suffering from this compared to Bulimia Nervosa.
Now looking into Bulimia Nervosa’s criteria, the focus of this engages in more consistent, frequent episodes, such as weekly, of binge eating then followed by behaviors that can include vomiting, abusing diuretics, or fasting. Separate from Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa is no longer sub-typed, but once was before the DSM-5. Another common occurrence with Bulimia Nervosa is impulsive behavior and alcohol abuse.
We learned that Bulimia Nervosa can become the result of risk factors that include patients with psychiatric disorders and dieting/eating problems. In regard to eating disorders as a whole, sociocultural factors include the portrayed slim body image in Western society that increases women’s desire to diet and exercise due to dissatisfaction of their bodies. Related to this is the impact of thin body images that young adolescents view through media sources like television which leads to idealizing unrealistic body types. Exposure to this through tv leads to increases in depression and negative self-talk (Maddux & Winstead, 2015). Eating disorders have also reached all social classes but those who identify with White, middle-class values are at a higher risk of developing an eating disorder. Familial factors include parental control, family environments that are critical, a dominating discourse on weight increases the risk of eating disorders as well (Maddux & Winstead, 2015).
Question the Class: In our readings we learned about the prevalence of personality disorders among individuals with eating disorders. What research or thoughts do you have that can explain why someone who develops a personality disorder may or may not also develop an eating disorder?
References
Maddux, J. E., & Winstead, B. A. (Eds.). (2015). Psychopathology: Foundations for a contemporary understanding (4th ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315778945
Classmate 2:
These two mental health conditions could have significant impacts on both physical and emotional well-being. Two common types, Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa, have distinct characteristics, making accurate diagnosis and effective treatment essential. Anorexia Nervosa involves a persistent restriction of food consumption, leading to significant weight loss and an intense fear of gaining weight. Individuals with this disorder often have a distorted body image, viewing themselves as overweight despite being underweight. They adopt extreme dieting, excessive exercise, and may even skip meals, leading to malnutrition and various health issues. Their self-esteem becomes closely tied to their body weight and shape, making it challenging for them to grasp the seriousness of their condition. On the other hand, Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by recurring episodes of compulsive eating, followed by compensatory behaviors to rid the body of the calories consumed, such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, or excessive exercise. Jain, A. (2022, August 1). Unlike Anorexia, individuals with Bulimia typically maintain a weight within the normal range, making it harder to identify the disorder based solely on physical appearance. The cycle of overdoing and get rid of is often driven by overwhelming feelings of guilt, shame, and a lack of control overeating habits, leading to negative impacts on both physical health and emotional well-being. Jain, A. (2022, August 1). Both disorders share common traits, such as an extreme preoccupation with body weight and appearance. Patients may hide their feelings and manifestations of mental deterioration, making early detection challenging. For individuals with Anorexia, food restriction and excessive weight loss may be driven by a desire for acceptance or personal achievement in defining their appearance. Morris, J., & Twaddle, S. (2007). In contrast, those with Bulimia use not eating as a coping mechanism to manage emotions and feel better about themselves. Recognizing these distinctive features is crucial for providing appropriate support and treatment to those affected by these disorders.
According to the research I have done indicate that both societal and familial factors play significant roles in the development and persistence of Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa. Societal pressures, like the promotion of slenderness as an ideal, peer pressure to conform to body standards, and stigmatization based on body weight, influence the development of these disorders. Within families, factors such as family dynamics, parental attitudes, genetic tendency, childhood trauma, and parental mental health can also contribute. Recognizing these factors is essential for early detection and effective treatment. A comprehensive approach that includes medical, psychological, and social interventions is crucial for managing and supporting individuals affected by these eating disorders.
References:
Jain, A. (2022, August 1). Bulimia nervosa. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562178/
Morris, J., & Twaddle, S. (2007). Anorexia nervosa. BMJ, 334(7599), 894–898. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.39171.616840.be
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