What psychological perspective is anorexia?
Abstract. A cognitive behavioural theory of the maintenance of anorexia nervosa is proposed. It is argued that an extreme need to control eating is the central feature of the disorder, and that in Western societies a tendency to judge self-worth in terms of shape and weight is superimposed on this need for self-control …
What can anorexia be mistaken for?
The following are disorders that mimic anorexia nervosa.
- Celiac disease. Over 18,000 women with celiac disease were studied and shown to have both celiac and anorexia prior to and after a celiac diagnosis.
- Achalasia.
- Illness anxiety disorder.
- Body dysmorphic disorder.
- Bulimia nervosa.
Does anorexia affect brain development?
Because of a restricted diet, many people with anorexia experience cognitive problems. In extreme cases, anorexia can cause brain damage. Research has shown that starvation caused by anorexia can lead to brain damage.
What can be classified as anorexia?
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that causes a person to restrict their food intake. They might try to avoid eating altogether, eat very small portions, and/or cut out certain foods and eat only a select few. 1 A common feature of anorexia is an extreme fear of being overweight (even if they are underweight).
What category is anorexia?
Anorexia Nervosa and Behaviorally Similar Disorders (AN-BSD). An eating disorder category characterized by the restriction of food intake relative to caloric requirements resulting in the maintenance of an inappropriately low weight, not better explained by a general medical condition or another psychiatric disorder.
What is the psychology of anorexia?
Finally, there are biological factors that may also contribute to the psychology of anorexia. Many anorexics also have concomittant mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, or obscessive compulsive disorder. Serotonin imbalances may also play a role in the psychology of anorexia.
Why do anorexics have rigid families?
The families of many anorexics are rigidly structured with a large amount of control exerted by some family members over others. Anorexia may develop as a way for a person to assert his or her independence from this suffocating family situation.
What is binge-eating/purging type anorexia nervosa?
A person has Binge-eating/Purging type Anorexia Nervosa when the individual has engaged in episodes of bingeing or purging behavior, such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas. Anorexia Nervosa and other eating disorders are commonly found in cultures and settings where “being thin” is seen as desirable.
Why do people with anorexia nervosa struggle with motivation?
When it comes to psychology, though, many people with anorexia struggle to find the motivation to get well, because the motivation to keep things as they are seems stronger. Life is unpredictable, and uncertainty can cause tremendous stress.