Anorexia and Bulimia

Introduction

Anorexia and Bulimia are server disorders that is mostly found in girls. Anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any mental disorders, with an estimated 56 times more likely to commit suicide then those who do not suffer from anorexia (Tabitha Farrar, 2014). Being able to recognize the signs and symptoms of anorexia is very important, if recognized early treatment can be started quickly to better help these individuals sooner.

Warning Signs

Anorexia has many warning signs some of which are emotional and behavioral signs, others which are physical signs.

Those with Anorexia may show some of these emotional and behavioral issues like, having dramatic weight loss, refuse to eat certain food groups altogether and even make comments about how fat they are, (N. Williamson PhD Tampa General seminar, May8, 2018). Some of the physical signs are fainting, dizziness or even cutting themselves (NEDA Feeding hope 2018). Anorexia does not just affect the person with it but also affects their families and even their friends.

The Nurse’s Role

It is extremely important for the nurse to be able to pick up the non-verbal cues that are being given by the patient. They should also ask questions that are considered open ended this way they can get the most information from the patient without the patient shutting down and not talking any longer. You should be careful in how you speak to the patient because this too can also impact the way they answer you and if they answer at all N. Williamson PhD, Tampa General seminar May8, 2018). The nurse should always look for any under lying conditions that could be what is triggering the Anorexia in the patient they are treating at this time. According to Williamson many facilities will use a reward system. For example allowing the patient to use their cell phone or even watch their favorite movie in exchange for eating their meals given to them (N. Williamson PhD, Tampa General seminar May 8, 2018).

Complications

There are many complications of anorexia all of which are server. Some of these are anemia, muscle loss and even absence of a female’s period or a male will have decrease testosterone. Some more serious complications are heart problems, which could consist of mitral valve prolapse, abnormal heart rhythms and even heart failure. There is even a possibility tohave kidney problems.

Summary

Treating these disorders successfully will not happen overnight, it will take several months if not years and even when these patients have completed their treatment and are ready to return to a normal life outside of the treatment center they will always be just one step away from reverting back to their old ways. Therefore they will always need a great support system to help them for the rest of their lives.

References

T. Farrar, 2014 Eating Disorders Statistics and InformationMirror-mirror.org

Retrieved from: https://www.mirror-mirror.org/eating-disorders-statistics.htm

NEDA Feeding hope 2018, Warning Signs and Symptoms National Eating Disorders Association

Retrieved from: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/learn/by-eating-disorder/anorexia/warning-signs-symptoms

N. Williamson, PhD. May 8, 2018 Understanding Eating Disorders and How to Best Serve these Patients during Inpatient Admission. Lecture presented in TGH, Tampa.

Mayo Clinic 1998-2018 Anorexia nervosa – Symptoms and causes

Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anorexia/symptoms-causes/syc-20353591

Did you like this example?

1466

61