Eating Disorder- Research Paper Psy 101
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Who Can Have an Eating Disorder?
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By
Katya Claros
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Professor A. Pelaez
Psychology 101
April 6, 2014
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Eating Disorders is one the many life threaten illnesses around the world, mainly affect-
ing the youth. But what’s really an eating disorder? Is it hereditary, passed down on your genes
of one of your family members; is it by choice? or is it linked via a psychological, traumatic experience associated with low-self stem and a way of expressing something that the eating disordered individual has found no other way of expressing. Despite the questions, the primary objective of this study is to find the reasons that are linked to an eating disorder, the different kinds of
eating disorders, the statistics of who are affected by it, and finally concluding, what are the
treatment options to win the battle against an eating disorder.
Eating Disorders are worldwide health problems that threatens that life of many at an ear-
ly age. They are serious and complex emotional and physical addictions. There are considered
the external sign of inner emotional or psychological distress, since it becomes the way in which
sufferers manage with difficulties in their lives. Eating or not eating is used as a way to block out
painful emotions, and it produces a feeling of control over one area of the sufferers life, when
they feel that they have lost control over all the other areas of it1.
Eating Disorders affect up to 24 million Americans and 70 million individuals world-
wide.2 Sadly the numbers is simultaneously increasing in America and other regions. And its said
that 1 in 5 women struggle with an eating disorder or disordered eating3 But, what’s really an eat
ing disorder?
1 Introduction:Eating Disorder Information
2 Eating Disorders 101 Guide: A Summary of Issues, Statistics and Resources
3 National Institute of Mental Health’s (NIMH) guide, Eating Disorders:
A person who restricts food intake, binge eats, binges and purges, abuses laxatives, com-
pulsively overeats, or excessively exercises begins these behaviors which are the symptoms towards an eating disorder. They often develop as a way of coping with emotional pain, conflicts
related to separation, low self-esteem, depression, stress or trauma.4 Some of the underlying is
sues that are associated with an eating disorder include low self-esteem, depression, feelings of
loss of control, feelings of worthlessness, identity concerns, family communication problems and
an inability to cope with emotions. The practice of an eating disorder may be an expression of
something that the eating disordered individual has found no other way of expressing.5
According to statistics provided by the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and
Associated Disorders (ANAD), there are up to 24 million people in the United States who suffer
from eating disorders. This includes people of all ages and both genders and can result in premature death or other serious health problems. Eating disorders can affect anyone, of any age, gender or race. An estimated 10 to 15% of people with anorexia or bulimia are male.6 Clearly, it in
dicates that eating disorders are not a gender based health condition.
Eating disorders includes various conditions and disturbances in which involves an ob-
session with food, weight and appearance to the degree that a person's health, relationships and
daily activities are adversely affected. However, it principally affects young women and girls,
with about 90% of sufferers being female, but the number of male sufferers is increasing. 7 Main
4 The Eating Disorder Foundation
5 The Eating Disorder Foundation
6 Review of Bulimia in Males. American Journal of Psychiatry, Carlat, D.J. Camargo.
7 The Center for Mental Health Services, offices of the US Department of Health and Human Services.
ly because there are massive and various types of eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa,
bulimia nervosa, compulsive eating disorder, binge eating disorders. With anorexia nervosa, and
bulimia nervosa being the most common eating disorders.
Anorexia nervosa is a self-imposed starvation in which individuals restrict their con-
sumption of food because of the fear of gaining weight. It’s a serious, life-threatening disorder,
which usually stems from underlying emotional causes and difficulties.8 Although people with
anorexia nervosa are obsessed with food, they continually deny their hunger. People with anorexia nervosa often also limit or restrict other parts of their lives besides food, including relationships, social activities, or pleasure.
Anorexia nervosa can cause severe medical problems and even lead to death. The disor-
der involves extreme weight loss--at least 15% below the individual's "ideal" weight--and a refusal to maintain body weight that is even minimally normal for their age and height and body
frame. Based on an ANAD Ten Year Study, it is estimated that currently 11% of high school students have been diagnosed with an eating disorder.9
Bulimia nervosa is another serious eating disorder that can be fatal if left untreated. Peo-
ple who have bulimia nervosa routinely "binge," consuming large amounts of food in a very
short period of time, and immediately "purge," ridding their bodies of the just-eaten food by selfinducing vomiting, taking enemas, or abusing laxatives or other medications.10 If left untreated,
8 The Eating Disorder Foundation
9 National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
Youthcare. "Bulimia's Many Forms."
10
bulimia nervosa can lead to serious and even life-threatening problems, such as depression, anxiety disorders, heart damage, kidney damage, injury to all parts of the digestive system, and severe dental damage.Those with bulimia nervosa are at risk for dangerous impulsive, self-destructive behaviors, such as kleptomania, self-mutilation, alcohol and/or drug abuse, and sexual
promiscuity.11
Without treatment eating disorders may lead to mood swings, physical problems, and
possibly potential death.While commonly affecting young women, eating disorders are widespread and can impact people of all ages and sexes. It is estimated that 10 million women and 1
million men in the United States suffer from an eating disorder, and the statistics are growing.
The number of men with an eating disorder has more than doubled in the last ten years.
Professional help typically is required to help someone with an eating disorder. However,
it is estimated that only 10 percent of people with these disorders actually receive treatment. Out
of the people who receive treatment, fewer than half will get treated at a facility that specializes
in eating disorders.12
Although women are more likely to develop an eating disorder, men are less likely to
seek help. This is a problem because if an eating disorder is left untreated, it can cause many adverse health issues. These include heart problems, acid reflux, brain damage, issues associated
with obesity and, in extreme cases, death.
Could You or Someone You Know Have an Eating Disorder?
11
The Psychology of Eating Disorders
12
The causes of eating disorders are not completely understood and can vary for each indi-
vidual. Working to treat core issues is an essential factor in the overall treatment process. An eating disorder can result as a survival mechanism to help a person cope with other experiences or
influences and can be extremely difficult to treat without professional help13.
Finally, an eating disorder is an illness that is responsive to treatment and should be
brought to the attention of a health care professional no matter how rare or common the signs
and symptoms are. It’s extremely difficult to treat it without the help of family members to support, and professional help to direct you through the right procedures to diminish the eating disorder.
I personally, began to experience with an eating disorder through out high-school. It was
one of the horrific and most difficult years I lived. It was a horrible experience because I was battling with myself. It was very confusing and challenging stage I was going through. Through
high-school the idea of the “perfect image” came across my mind right after all the mixed emotions and vast disappointments I lived. My self worth, was always number one but disappointment after disappointment I began to experience low self-esteem, and I was stressed about all the
problems I had at home, school, and with friends.
It was a battle with my emotions and my brain, allowing the eating disorder take control
over my life. The various stress and traumatic experiences as a high-schooler lead to a health
condition in which I was lucky and powerful enough to beat the Ed’s. Right after i noticed the
The Psychology of Eating Disorders
13
things I was doing, the uncontrollable purging after binge eating I noticed the acidity in my
throat. So i proceeded to search information on Ed’s and how it can be treated.
It wasn't easy because as days kept going by I counted to suffer from an Ed’s. But thank-
fully with the help of my parents and their support I have over come one the toughest challenges
in my life, overcoming an eating disorder. If it wasn't for them and seeking for professional help ,
perhaps I would continually binge eat because of the emotional problems, stress, relationship
complications. However, luckily I was fortunate to detect it before it became an addiction and
obsession or else things would have turn out to be unpleasant and hurtful for me and my loved
one.
1 in 5 women struggle with an eating disorder or disordered eating. I was one of them but
I’m grateful to have supportive people around me that helped me through this devastating and
challenging stage in my life. Eating Disorders are complicated, serious and potentially devastating. They’re caused by a complex combination of factors, including genetic, biochemical, psychological, cultural and environmental. 14 They are illnesses, not character flaws or choices. Indi
viduals don't choose to have an eating disorder. It just happen’s because its a way to cope with
emotions. It’s an illness that requires vast amount of support and help because it threatens the
lives of many.
!
!
Eating Disorders: Why Do They Happen? - ULifeline.
14
!
!
!
Work cited
ANAD Ten Year Study. National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders.
<www.anad.org>.
!
Carlat, D.J. Camargo. Review of Bulimia in Males. American Journal of Psychiatry, 154, 1997.
"Could You or Someone You Know Have an Eating Disorder?" Bulimia Nervosa Treatment.
N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2014. <http://www.something-fishy.org/bulimia-nervosa-treatment/articles.php>.
!
"Eating Disorders." NIMH RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2014 <http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/
publications/eating-disorders/index.shtml>.
!
"Eating Disorders: Why Do They Happen? - ULifeline." Eating Disorders: Why Do They Happen? - ULifeline. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2014. <http://www.ulifeline.org/articles/400-eating-disorders-why-do-they-happen>.
!
"Introduction." Eating Disorder Information. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2014. <http://www.eatingproblems.org/epsinfo.html>.
James, Deanna. " The Psychology of Eating Disorders - World of Psychology." Psych Central.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2014. <http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2013/08/08/the-psychology-of-eating-disorders/>.
!
“National Institute of Mental Health’s (NIMH) guide, Eating Disorders: Facts About Eating Disorders and the Search for Solutions” Web. 10 Apr. 2014 <http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/eating-disorders/index.shtml>.
!
"Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration." The Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2014. <http://www.samhsa.gov/>.
!
"The Eating Disorder Foundation." The Eating Disorder Foundation. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr.
2014. <http://www.eatingdisorderfoundation.org/EatingDisorders.htm>.
!
The Renfrew Center Foundation for Eating Disorders, "Eating Disorders 101 Guide: A Summary
of Issues, Statistics and Resources," published September 2002, revised October 2003, Web. 10
Apr. 2014. <http://www.renfrew.org>.
Youthcare. "Bulimia's Many Forms." Montecatini:A Residence of Healing and Hope for Women
with Eating Disorders. N.p., 4 Apr. 2013. Web. 10 Apr. 2014. <http://beta2.pos.devcrc.com/page/
4/>
!
!
!
!
!
Who Can Have an Eating Disorder?
!
!
By
Katya Claros
!
!
!
!
Professor A. Pelaez
Psychology 101
April 6, 2014
!
!
!
Eating Disorders is one the many life threaten illnesses around the world, mainly affect-
ing the youth. But what’s really an eating disorder? Is it hereditary, passed down on your genes
of one of your family members; is it by choice? or is it linked via a psychological, traumatic experience associated with low-self stem and a way of expressing something that the eating disordered individual has found no other way of expressing. Despite the questions, the primary objective of this study is to find the reasons that are linked to an eating disorder, the different kinds of
eating disorders, the statistics of who are affected by it, and finally concluding, what are the
treatment options to win the battle against an eating disorder.
Eating Disorders are worldwide health problems that threatens that life of many at an ear-
ly age. They are serious and complex emotional and physical addictions. There are considered
the external sign of inner emotional or psychological distress, since it becomes the way in which
sufferers manage with difficulties in their lives. Eating or not eating is used as a way to block out
painful emotions, and it produces a feeling of control over one area of the sufferers life, when
they feel that they have lost control over all the other areas of it1.
Eating Disorders affect up to 24 million Americans and 70 million individuals world-
wide.2 Sadly the numbers is simultaneously increasing in America and other regions. And its said
that 1 in 5 women struggle with an eating disorder or disordered eating3 But, what’s really an eat
ing disorder?
1 Introduction:Eating Disorder Information
2 Eating Disorders 101 Guide: A Summary of Issues, Statistics and Resources
3 National Institute of Mental Health’s (NIMH) guide, Eating Disorders:
A person who restricts food intake, binge eats, binges and purges, abuses laxatives, com-
pulsively overeats, or excessively exercises begins these behaviors which are the symptoms towards an eating disorder. They often develop as a way of coping with emotional pain, conflicts
related to separation, low self-esteem, depression, stress or trauma.4 Some of the underlying is
sues that are associated with an eating disorder include low self-esteem, depression, feelings of
loss of control, feelings of worthlessness, identity concerns, family communication problems and
an inability to cope with emotions. The practice of an eating disorder may be an expression of
something that the eating disordered individual has found no other way of expressing.5
According to statistics provided by the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and
Associated Disorders (ANAD), there are up to 24 million people in the United States who suffer
from eating disorders. This includes people of all ages and both genders and can result in premature death or other serious health problems. Eating disorders can affect anyone, of any age, gender or race. An estimated 10 to 15% of people with anorexia or bulimia are male.6 Clearly, it in
dicates that eating disorders are not a gender based health condition.
Eating disorders includes various conditions and disturbances in which involves an ob-
session with food, weight and appearance to the degree that a person's health, relationships and
daily activities are adversely affected. However, it principally affects young women and girls,
with about 90% of sufferers being female, but the number of male sufferers is increasing. 7 Main
4 The Eating Disorder Foundation
5 The Eating Disorder Foundation
6 Review of Bulimia in Males. American Journal of Psychiatry, Carlat, D.J. Camargo.
7 The Center for Mental Health Services, offices of the US Department of Health and Human Services.
ly because there are massive and various types of eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa,
bulimia nervosa, compulsive eating disorder, binge eating disorders. With anorexia nervosa, and
bulimia nervosa being the most common eating disorders.
Anorexia nervosa is a self-imposed starvation in which individuals restrict their con-
sumption of food because of the fear of gaining weight. It’s a serious, life-threatening disorder,
which usually stems from underlying emotional causes and difficulties.8 Although people with
anorexia nervosa are obsessed with food, they continually deny their hunger. People with anorexia nervosa often also limit or restrict other parts of their lives besides food, including relationships, social activities, or pleasure.
Anorexia nervosa can cause severe medical problems and even lead to death. The disor-
der involves extreme weight loss--at least 15% below the individual's "ideal" weight--and a refusal to maintain body weight that is even minimally normal for their age and height and body
frame. Based on an ANAD Ten Year Study, it is estimated that currently 11% of high school students have been diagnosed with an eating disorder.9
Bulimia nervosa is another serious eating disorder that can be fatal if left untreated. Peo-
ple who have bulimia nervosa routinely "binge," consuming large amounts of food in a very
short period of time, and immediately "purge," ridding their bodies of the just-eaten food by selfinducing vomiting, taking enemas, or abusing laxatives or other medications.10 If left untreated,
8 The Eating Disorder Foundation
9 National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
Youthcare. "Bulimia's Many Forms."
10
bulimia nervosa can lead to serious and even life-threatening problems, such as depression, anxiety disorders, heart damage, kidney damage, injury to all parts of the digestive system, and severe dental damage.Those with bulimia nervosa are at risk for dangerous impulsive, self-destructive behaviors, such as kleptomania, self-mutilation, alcohol and/or drug abuse, and sexual
promiscuity.11
Without treatment eating disorders may lead to mood swings, physical problems, and
possibly potential death.While commonly affecting young women, eating disorders are widespread and can impact people of all ages and sexes. It is estimated that 10 million women and 1
million men in the United States suffer from an eating disorder, and the statistics are growing.
The number of men with an eating disorder has more than doubled in the last ten years.
Professional help typically is required to help someone with an eating disorder. However,
it is estimated that only 10 percent of people with these disorders actually receive treatment. Out
of the people who receive treatment, fewer than half will get treated at a facility that specializes
in eating disorders.12
Although women are more likely to develop an eating disorder, men are less likely to
seek help. This is a problem because if an eating disorder is left untreated, it can cause many adverse health issues. These include heart problems, acid reflux, brain damage, issues associated
with obesity and, in extreme cases, death.
Could You or Someone You Know Have an Eating Disorder?
11
The Psychology of Eating Disorders
12
The causes of eating disorders are not completely understood and can vary for each indi-
vidual. Working to treat core issues is an essential factor in the overall treatment process. An eating disorder can result as a survival mechanism to help a person cope with other experiences or
influences and can be extremely difficult to treat without professional help13.
Finally, an eating disorder is an illness that is responsive to treatment and should be
brought to the attention of a health care professional no matter how rare or common the signs
and symptoms are. It’s extremely difficult to treat it without the help of family members to support, and professional help to direct you through the right procedures to diminish the eating disorder.
I personally, began to experience with an eating disorder through out high-school. It was
one of the horrific and most difficult years I lived. It was a horrible experience because I was battling with myself. It was very confusing and challenging stage I was going through. Through
high-school the idea of the “perfect image” came across my mind right after all the mixed emotions and vast disappointments I lived. My self worth, was always number one but disappointment after disappointment I began to experience low self-esteem, and I was stressed about all the
problems I had at home, school, and with friends.
It was a battle with my emotions and my brain, allowing the eating disorder take control
over my life. The various stress and traumatic experiences as a high-schooler lead to a health
condition in which I was lucky and powerful enough to beat the Ed’s. Right after i noticed the
The Psychology of Eating Disorders
13
things I was doing, the uncontrollable purging after binge eating I noticed the acidity in my
throat. So i proceeded to search information on Ed’s and how it can be treated.
It wasn't easy because as days kept going by I counted to suffer from an Ed’s. But thank-
fully with the help of my parents and their support I have over come one the toughest challenges
in my life, overcoming an eating disorder. If it wasn't for them and seeking for professional help ,
perhaps I would continually binge eat because of the emotional problems, stress, relationship
complications. However, luckily I was fortunate to detect it before it became an addiction and
obsession or else things would have turn out to be unpleasant and hurtful for me and my loved
one.
1 in 5 women struggle with an eating disorder or disordered eating. I was one of them but
I’m grateful to have supportive people around me that helped me through this devastating and
challenging stage in my life. Eating Disorders are complicated, serious and potentially devastating. They’re caused by a complex combination of factors, including genetic, biochemical, psychological, cultural and environmental. 14 They are illnesses, not character flaws or choices. Indi
viduals don't choose to have an eating disorder. It just happen’s because its a way to cope with
emotions. It’s an illness that requires vast amount of support and help because it threatens the
lives of many.
!
!
Eating Disorders: Why Do They Happen? - ULifeline.
14
!
!
!
Work cited
ANAD Ten Year Study. National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders.
<www.anad.org>.
!
Carlat, D.J. Camargo. Review of Bulimia in Males. American Journal of Psychiatry, 154, 1997.
"Could You or Someone You Know Have an Eating Disorder?" Bulimia Nervosa Treatment.
N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2014. <http://www.something-fishy.org/bulimia-nervosa-treatment/articles.php>.
!
"Eating Disorders." NIMH RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2014 <http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/
publications/eating-disorders/index.shtml>.
!
"Eating Disorders: Why Do They Happen? - ULifeline." Eating Disorders: Why Do They Happen? - ULifeline. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2014. <http://www.ulifeline.org/articles/400-eating-disorders-why-do-they-happen>.
!
"Introduction." Eating Disorder Information. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2014. <http://www.eatingproblems.org/epsinfo.html>.
James, Deanna. " The Psychology of Eating Disorders - World of Psychology." Psych Central.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2014. <http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2013/08/08/the-psychology-of-eating-disorders/>.
!
“National Institute of Mental Health’s (NIMH) guide, Eating Disorders: Facts About Eating Disorders and the Search for Solutions” Web. 10 Apr. 2014 <http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/eating-disorders/index.shtml>.
!
"Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration." The Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2014. <http://www.samhsa.gov/>.
!
"The Eating Disorder Foundation." The Eating Disorder Foundation. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr.
2014. <http://www.eatingdisorderfoundation.org/EatingDisorders.htm>.
!
The Renfrew Center Foundation for Eating Disorders, "Eating Disorders 101 Guide: A Summary
of Issues, Statistics and Resources," published September 2002, revised October 2003, Web. 10
Apr. 2014. <http://www.renfrew.org>.
Youthcare. "Bulimia's Many Forms." Montecatini:A Residence of Healing and Hope for Women
with Eating Disorders. N.p., 4 Apr. 2013. Web. 10 Apr. 2014. <http://beta2.pos.devcrc.com/page/
4/>
