Eating disorders have received a lot of publicity in the recent past probably because of the increasing number of cases being diagnosed worldwide. The problem is however, experienced more in the western world compared to any other parts of the world. Patients are reported to either eat too much or too little food. This leads to serious effects on both their physical and mental health. An eating disorder California residents and health providers should all be aware of is anorexia nervosa. The other very common types are bulimia nervosa and binge consumption of food.
Anorexia nervosa patients have an intrinsic fear of gaining weight and will therefore avoid food or eat very little if they have to. Bulimia nervosa on the other hand, is characterized by binge consumption of food that is usually followed by purgative actions to expel the food eaten. Binge eating has similar manifestations as bulimia nervosa except that there is no associated compensatory behavior. Other types include rumination, compulsive overeating, purging disorder, food maintenance, night eating disorder and pica. Symptoms will vary from mild or asymptomatic to severe depending on the duration and the type.
The exact cause of these conditions is not clearly understood but biological, psychological and environmental factors are believed to play a role. Genetic factors feature prominently as biological contributors. Individuals with these conditions have often been found to be genetically predisposed. Hormonal derangements, brain tumors, obstetric complications and autoimmune reactions are the other possible biological causes. Psychological causes include psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Alcoholism and substance abuse have been demonstrated by some studies to have a significant contribution. The common environmental factors are child abuse, social isolation, peer pressure and cultural pressure.
Among the complications that may be encountered are acne, osteoporosis, diarrhoea, tooth loss and menstrual abnormalities among others. Timely intervention is necessary to avert death whose likelihood is greatly increased.
In diagnosing these conditions, a full medical and psychological history is central. The findings after history taking are augmented by radiological investigations such as PET scans and MRI to rule out brain lesions. Differential diagnoses include hyperthyroidism, Lyme disease, and Addison disease among others.
In case they suspect to have an Eating disorder California residents are advised to seek professional help. There a wide range of treatment options including cognitive behaviour therapy, nutrition therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy. The abnormality present will determine the mode of treatment chosen.
Anorexia nervosa patients have an intrinsic fear of gaining weight and will therefore avoid food or eat very little if they have to. Bulimia nervosa on the other hand, is characterized by binge consumption of food that is usually followed by purgative actions to expel the food eaten. Binge eating has similar manifestations as bulimia nervosa except that there is no associated compensatory behavior. Other types include rumination, compulsive overeating, purging disorder, food maintenance, night eating disorder and pica. Symptoms will vary from mild or asymptomatic to severe depending on the duration and the type.
The exact cause of these conditions is not clearly understood but biological, psychological and environmental factors are believed to play a role. Genetic factors feature prominently as biological contributors. Individuals with these conditions have often been found to be genetically predisposed. Hormonal derangements, brain tumors, obstetric complications and autoimmune reactions are the other possible biological causes. Psychological causes include psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Alcoholism and substance abuse have been demonstrated by some studies to have a significant contribution. The common environmental factors are child abuse, social isolation, peer pressure and cultural pressure.
Among the complications that may be encountered are acne, osteoporosis, diarrhoea, tooth loss and menstrual abnormalities among others. Timely intervention is necessary to avert death whose likelihood is greatly increased.
In diagnosing these conditions, a full medical and psychological history is central. The findings after history taking are augmented by radiological investigations such as PET scans and MRI to rule out brain lesions. Differential diagnoses include hyperthyroidism, Lyme disease, and Addison disease among others.
In case they suspect to have an Eating disorder California residents are advised to seek professional help. There a wide range of treatment options including cognitive behaviour therapy, nutrition therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy. The abnormality present will determine the mode of treatment chosen.
About the Author:
You can visit the website Eating disorder California for more helpful information about http://www.dualdiagnosistreatmentcenterca.com
0 comments:
Post a Comment