Eating Disorders Flashcards

1
Q

Give some causes of eating disorders

A

Biological –> genetics, hormones, neurotransmitters, brain dysfunction, biological effects of dieting
Psychological –> low self esteem, depression, anxiety, poor coping mechanisms, feelings of inadequacy, excessive worrying, perfectionism
Social –> difficulty expressing emotion, history of bullying, history of physical or sexual abuse, troubled personal relationships

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2
Q

What are the diagnostic criteria of anorexia?

A

Intentional weight loss (BMI below 17.5)
Extreme fear of being fat or gaining weight
Disturbance of body image

Can also have an endocrine disorder (drop in testosterone in men or amenorrhea in women)

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3
Q

Give some predisposing factors for developing anorexia

A
Family history 
Role models 
Bullying about weight 
Female 
Age (teenage to early 20s)
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4
Q

Give some precipitating factors for developing anorexia

A
Dieting 
Period of overeating 
Stress
Low self-esteem 
Westernised culture
Traumatic event (abuse, relationship problems, bereavement)
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5
Q

Give some maintaining factors for developing anorexia

A
Positive weight loss comments
Weighing daily 
Calorie tracking 
Strict rules about food
Looking and thinking about food
Family pressures
Lack of support 
Immaturity 
Effects of starvation --> delayed GI emptying, reduced leptin, preoccupation with food, obsessional behaviours
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6
Q

Give some effects of starvation

A
Emotional distress and depression 
Agitation
Tired
Withdrawn 
Decline in concentration 
Decrease in BMR
Oedema in the extremities
Ongoing problems with food on cessation
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7
Q

Give some endocrine complications of starvation

A

Amenorrhea (low FSH and LH)
Sick euthyroid syndrome
Impaired glucose tolerance
High cortisol and high growth hormone

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8
Q

Give some cardiovascular complications of starvation

A
Bradycardia
Hypotension 
Arrhythmias
Cardiomyopathy 
High cholesterol
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9
Q

How is anorexia managed?

A

Children –> family focussed therapy and CBT
Adults –> CBT, specialist supportive clinical management
May need to be admitted for medical treatment eg. correction of electrolyte imbalances and NG tube feeding

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10
Q

What is bulimia?

A

Persistent preoccupation with eating and irresistible craving for food resulting in episodes of binge eating. This is associated with a morbid fear of being fat so induces compensatory behaviours such as self-induced vomiting, laxatives, fasting, excessive exercise and appetite suppressants.

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11
Q

How might excessive exercise be recognised?

A
Exercising for the sole reason of weight loss
Working to a strict routine 
Exercising through injury 
Cannot bear to miss a day of exercise
Prioritise exercise above other things
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12
Q

What is a binge eat?

A

Excessive uncontrollable eating often in secret and in a short period of time. It is associated with a feeling of loss of control and feelings of guilt.

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13
Q

Give examples of medical conditions which are associated with bulimia

A
Gum disease
Oesophageal tears
Oesophagitis
Electrolyte disturbances (metabolic acidosis) 
Polycystic ovary syndrome 
Delayed gastric emptying
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14
Q

How is bulimia managed?

A

CBT
Disease education
Antidepressants

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