A Review of Recent Pharmacologic Treatments for Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa.
Introduction
Eating disorders are characterized by a persistent disturbance of eating that impairs health or psychosocial functioning. The disorders include anorexia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and bulimia nervosa [1]. The aim of this review is focused on the use of drugs (antipsychotics, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and appetite stimulants) in the treatment of Anorexia Nervosa (AN) and Bulimia Nervosa (BN).
Anorexia Nervosa
AN was first described by Sir William Withey Gull in 1873, and is a serious and potentially life-threatening mental illness. Other essential features of this disorder include a distress for gaining weight, a inaccurate body image, denial of the seriousness of the illness, and amenorrhea, for at least three consecutive menstrual cycles, in females, when they are otherwise expected to occur [2].
Bulimia Nervosa
A DSM-5 diagnosis of BN requires each of the following; periods of binge eating, (defined as eating an unusually large amount of food in a discrete period of time), feeling of no control of eating during these periods, inappropriate behavior to avoid weight gain (such as purging) which occurs at least 9 times in a 3 month period. This behavior of binging and purging is influenced excessively by body figure and weight [2].
Both, AN and BN tend to occur in youth, but can develop at any time throughout a lifetime. Many people with eating disorders are also diagnosed with other psychiatric illnesses including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders.
The distribution of eating disorders in people is not identical. AN and BN are reported most frequently as occurring in adolescent Caucasian fem...
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It is difficult to treat if patients don’t gain weight. This documentary film described that fifty percent of individuals will relapse in the first year if normal weight has not be achieved prior to leaving treatment. Treatment requires a multidisciplinary team approach. In addition to restriction many patients also increase activity levels. The film also examined individuals that have Exercise Anorexia. In conclusion the documentary pointed out the disorders have links to Anxiety. They stated that Prozac and Paxil have been found helpful in treating patients. They noted that Bulimia is linked to depression. The film also described a research study conducted to examine satiety related to food and CCK Cholecystokinin disturbed digestion in individuals with eating disorders. CCK is a digestive hormone that stimulates fat and protein digestion, and promotes the feeling of satiety. The film also stated that it takes years to fully recover from
Hudson, James I., McElroy, Susan L. Fluvoxamine in the Treatment of Binge-Eating Disorder. The American Journal of Psychiatry. 1998; 155: 1756-1762.
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Considering the growing preoccupation of teenage girls with their weight and their bodies, eating disorders have become even more of a concern. In light of the fact that mortality in anorexia nervosa is among the highest of all psychiatric disorders, it is increasingly important to understand what causes eating disorders and how best to treat them (Herzog et al., 1996). A meaningful area of research to consider when trying to understand eating disorders is comorbidity. Such psychiatric disorders such as anxiety disorders, affective disorders, personality disorders, and substance abuse have been found to coexist, at least to some degree, with the eating disorders anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. This paper will examine how anxiety disorders have been found to interact with both anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.
Anorexia nervosa is characterized by refusal to maintain body weight over a minimum level considered normal for age and height, along with distorted body image, fear of fat and weight gain, and amenorrhea (absence of menstruation). Bulimia nervosa is characterized by binge eating followed by purging. These behaviors should occur at least twice a week for three months. Binge eating disorder typically occurs in patients who binge but do not purge. One must have bulimic episodes at least two days a week for six months but must not fit the criteria for bulimia nervosa. Eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS) includes a wide array of eating disturbances that do not fall into the anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating diagnosis. Anorexia athletics features an intense fear of becoming fat even though one is at least 5 percent below the expected normal weight range. Also, excessive exercising, restrictive energy intake, use of laxatives or diuretics, as well as planned binge eating (even around training schedules) all classify anorexia athletics. (Sundgot-Borgen, 1994)
Anorexia is a serious disorder that involves compulsive dieting and excessive weight loss. According to The National Institute of Mental Health, anorexia is characterized by emaciation, a relentless pursuit of thinness, and extremely disturbed eating behaviors (Parks, 2009). The “disturbed eating behaviors” associated with anorexia include unhealthy weight loss and weight control methods, behaviors such as abusing or self-induced vomiting, and a distorted view of one’s personal appearance (Shepphird, 2010). Anorexics in general survive on 500 calories or less per day, and they count every calorie they consume (Parks, 2009). Symptoms often also include the inability or refusal to maintain a healthy weight and a great fear of gaining weight (Shepphird, 2010).
Today, America is plagued with eating disorders such as Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Compulsive Eating Disorders. Each has its own characteristics that distinguish the illness yet there are some similarities that they also share. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, as with most mental illnesses, eating disorders are not caused by just one factor but by a combination of behavioral, biological, emotional, psychological, interpersonal and social factors. Shockingly, they also report that in the United States, there are as many as 10 million females and 1 million males that are battling with eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia. Additionally, another 25 million are struggling with binge eating disorders (www.NationalEatingDisorders.org). Typically, psychological factors such as depression and low self-esteem contribute to eating disorders...
An eating disorder is a way of using food to work out emotional problems. These illnesses develop because of emotional and/or psychological problems. Eating disorders are the way some people deal with stress. In today’s society, teenagers are pressured into thinking that bring thin is the same thing as being happy. Chemical balances in the brain that may also result in depression, obsessive compulsive disorders, and bi-polar disorders may also cause some eating disorders. Other causes may be emotional events, illnesses, marital or family problems, manic depression, or ending a relationship. Over eight million Americans suffer from eating disorders. Over 80% of girls under age thirteen admit to dieting, one of the main factors linked to eating disorders. Although eating disorders are mainly found in middle- to upper class, highly educated, Caucasian, female adolescents, no culture or age group is immune to them (EDA HP, n.p.). The three major eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and compulsive over-eating or binge-eating.
What is the difference between a'smart' and a'smart'? 3 Sept. 2002: C-1. 2. What is the difference between a.. Jambora, Anne A. “Obesity and Bariatric Surgery.”
Psychotherapy or psychological counseling is an integral part of comprehensive eating disorder treatments. With a trained counselor, the patient can develop ways to cope with the issues that led to the disorder. This is especially important in anorexia nervosa treatments because of the overwhelming fear of becoming overweight. Hopefully a psychotherapist can get to the root of these fears and develop effective measures to take for recovery. Anorexia is considered to be a lifelong illness, and counseling may continue indefinitely. There are no medicines for anorexia, but antidepressants are often prescribed in conjunction with other treatments.
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