Define anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, identify risk factors for both and evaluate treatment options for both

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder characterized by refusing to eat and not maintaining a minimally normal weight, and having an intense fear of gaining weight. Anorexics also have a disturbed body image and see themselves as fat even though they are very thin.
Risk Factors
One risk factor is having parents who set excessively high standards that cannot possibly be achieved. Another risk involves personality factors, such as being very anxious, rigid, and a perfectionist. Lastly, brain areas that normally respond to the pleasurable, rewarding aspects of eating do not work in people with anorexia.
Treatment
Well-established psychological treatments for anorexics have had limited success,
and drugs have not been too useful. A relatively new treatment program has reported success using a form of family therapy. Generally, recovery is difficult: About 30% make a full recovery; about 35% regain some weight but maintain a poor body image; about 25% have chronic, recurrent symptoms; and about 5% die from starvation or suicide.

Bulimia nervosa is characterized by binge-eating episodes; a sense of lack of control over the binging; recurrent, inappropriate vomiting, use of laxatives, or rigorous dieting and fasting to compensate for binges; and excessive concern about body shape and weight.
Risk Factors
One risk factor involves cultural pressures to develop a slim body. Another risk factor involves personality characteristics, such as being excessively concerned about appearance, being too sensitive, and having low self-esteem and high personal standards for achievement. For some, bouts of depression, anxiety, mood swings, and problems with social relationships may trigger
episodes of bulimia nervosa.
Treatment
The psychological treatment for bulimia nervosa may involve ways to control weight, as well as one of two kinds of psychotherapy: cognitive-behavioral therapy, which focuses on substituting positive thoughts for negative ones, or interpersonal therapy, which focuses on improving a person's social functioning. Drug treatment for bulimia nervosa is less effective than psychotherapy. Generally, about 50% of bulimics recover fully.