PSYCHOLOGY OF EATING DISORDERS

Psychology of Eating Disorders

Psychology of Eating Disorders

Introduction

Eating disorders often have serious psychological and medical consequences. Most bodily systems are affected by starvation, and cardiac, gastrointestinal, and electrolyte disturbances can result. Psychological depression and anxiety disorders commonly co-occur with eating disorders. The consequences of eating disturbances need to be taken seriously, given that obesity increases one's risk of developing conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, gall bladder disease, and cancer of the breast, prostate, and colon (Gremillion, 2003). Sufferers of food disorders are often described as lacking a fully developed sense of self, as self-blaming, and as people inclined toward pleasing others more than themselves. Moreover, because society has not fully accepted eating disorders as bona fide mental illnesses, sufferers are often stigmatized and become objects of derision, further amplifying self-deprecation and denial of symptoms.

Discussion

A comprehensive psychological assessment is the first step in deciding what is the most appropriate form of treatment. A proper psychological assessment is a careful assessment of the patient's history and current circumstances and usually, if done thoroughly, requires several hours. It includes a thorough review of the patient's height and weight history; current and past symptoms, restrictive eating behaviors, binge eating, exercise patterns, purging and other compensatory behaviors; attitudes regarding weight, shape, and eating as well as the presence of other psychological disorders (Carolyn, 2005). What is essential to keep in mind is that eating disorders are often characterized by a set of psychological symptoms: distorted body figure, obsession of losing weight, distress over body size and figure, perfectionism, and emotional difficulties. These psychological symptoms are in general not reflected by weight position (Carolyn, 2005).

A full physical examination of the patient is strongly recommended and may be performed by a physician familiar with common findings in patients with eating disorders physical health and associated risks. For children and adolescents, family involvement in the assessment is considered essential. It is desirable for older patients (Claude, 2002). An assessment should include a family history of eating disorders or other psychiatric and medical disorders, family stressors, and family attitudes toward eating, exercise, and appearance. Family members usually approach treatment with considerable guilt about their role in the development of the eating disorder, and theories that imply blame of family members can alienate family members and interfere with the patient's care and recovery (Gremillion, 2003). Therefore, it is important to take the focus off ...