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Anorexia Nervosa And Bulimia Research Paper

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Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia
Eating disorders are real, complex, and devastating conditions that can have serious consequences for health, productivity, and relationships. Eating disorders are serious, potentially life threating conditions that affect a person’s emotional and physical health. (National Eating Disorders Association) Extreme weight loss and believing that one is fat despite excessive thinness are key features of anorexia nervosa. Another eating disorder that is also harmful is bulimia which consists of binge-eating and preventing any weight gain by purging; such as vomiting, abusing laxatives, and exercising excessively. (Mental Health America) Mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and alcohol/drug addiction are sometimes …show more content…

The signs and symptoms are red flags for friend and family members to take action. (Eating Disorder Hope) Some manifestations of anorexia are chronic dieting despite of being underweight, thin appearance, absence of menstruation, obsession with calories and fat contents of food, and avoiding of social events, family and friends. (Eating Disorder Hope) Individual may also become isolated, hiding food, and eating alone. With bulimia, signs and symptoms may not be noticed since the individual may look normal weight or slightly overweight. Indications of bulimia include constantly worrying or complaining of being fat, going to the bathroom right after eating or during meals, and exercising too much. (Mayo Clinic Bulimia) Being unaware of the underlying cause can be a dangerous …show more content…

At the physician’s office exams and tests can be done such as a physical exam, lab tests such as CBC to check electrolytes, urine tests, check for function of liver, kidney, and thyroid, psychological evaluation, and check for bone density. Both disorders are classified under the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The criteria for anorexia include restricting food intake, fear of gaining weight, and problems with body image. Criteria for bulimia is having recurrent episodes of eating a large amount of food then most people would eat in an amount of time, binging and purging at least once a week for at least three months, and getting rid of calories by vomiting, excessive exercise, and laxatives. (Mayo Clinic Anorexia & Bulimia) Doctors use this system to diagnose the disorder and come up with treatments that will treat the underlying cause. Treatments depend on the severity of the disorder. Each individual is different and may need options to deal with the

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