Eating Disorders: Mental Health

As I embark on my final project, I find it crucial to delve into a topic that resonates deeply with me: mental health. This subject has recently captured significant public attention, yet it often remains marginalized and misunderstood. Mental health is a complex and multifaceted field encompassing physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional well-being. Despite the absence of visible symptoms, mental illness is a pervasive issue with profound implications for individuals and society.

Mental Health Dynamics

Mental illness encompasses a wide range of conditions, making it a significant area of focus in psychiatric nursing, particularly when coupled with co-morbidities.

It is an intrinsic aspect of every person, susceptible to being triggered by life events and manifesting to varying degrees. At some point, everyone experiences changes that can impact daily life processes and mental health. Coping mechanisms vary among individuals; some navigate these changes relatively unscathed, while others may require therapeutic interventions or medication to address chemical imbalances in the brain. For some, these disruptions are inherent from birth, gradually surfacing as the brain develops.

Professional Background and Experience

My journey in this field has been shaped by my role as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) specializing in psychiatric nursing with a focus on eating disorders. Unlike Registered Nurses (RNs), whose qualifications typically include a Bachelor's degree in Nursing, my path involved a two-year program. In California, LVNs primarily work in outpatient or specialized fields like psychiatry, rather than in emergency or hospital settings as RNs do. Currently, I serve as a treatment nurse at a residential facility for adolescents grappling with eating disorders, particularly Anorexia Nervosa, and accompanying mental health challenges. These young individuals face profound struggles, often exhibiting suicidal tendencies and requiring 24-hour supervision. My responsibilities include medication administration, EKGs, blood draws, and urinary analyses. Many of these patients arrive from hospital settings, often in frail states due to prolonged tube feeding. The relentless grip of an eating disorder can lead to severe physical consequences, including organ failure and heart stoppage.

Understanding Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by an obsessive pursuit of thinness, an intense fear of obesity, a distorted body image, and severe dietary restrictions. This disorder can affect anyone, irrespective of age, gender, race, or ethnicity. It often begins during adolescence, though it is increasingly diagnosed in children and older adults. Importantly, anorexia is not always visible, as larger-bodied individuals may also suffer from the disorder but remain undiagnosed due to societal biases against obesity.

To diagnose anorexia nervosa, specific criteria must be met: restricted food intake resulting in significantly low body weight, intense fear of weight gain, and body image disturbance. Physical symptoms range from gastrointestinal issues and dizziness to menstrual irregularities and dental problems. Emotional and behavioral symptoms include dramatic weight loss, food rituals, and social withdrawal.

Pathophysiology and Lab Tests

Anorexia nervosa affects multiple organ systems, particularly when malnutrition is severe. For women, menstruation often ceases, while bone mass declines in both genders. Dehydration, metabolic alkalosis, and electrolyte imbalances are common, exacerbated by induced vomiting or laxative use. Cardiac issues, including arrhythmias and sudden death, may occur. Lab tests, including blood work and psychological evaluations, play a crucial role in diagnosis.

Treatment and Therapeutic Approaches

Effective treatment of eating disorders requires an interdisciplinary approach, involving medical doctors, psychiatrists, dietitians, nurses, and therapists. Family involvement is essential, and a consistent treatment plan is crucial. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and family therapy are vital components of treatment. While medications like antidepressants and anxiolytics may support treatment, they are not the primary solution.

Nursing Interventions and Rationale

In nursing, interventions are tailored to each patient, emphasizing the importance of therapeutic communication and relationships. For instance, supervising meals ensures dietary compliance, while offering liquids can ease food-related anxieties. Encouraging creative outlets like painting or writing fosters communication and empathy. Building a therapeutic relationship based on trust, empathy, and autonomy is vital for patient recovery.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mental health, particularly in the context of eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, is a complex and deeply impactful field. Through my work as a psychiatric nurse, I have witnessed the profound struggles faced by individuals grappling with these disorders. By raising awareness and emphasizing the importance of comprehensive treatment approaches, we can contribute to better outcomes for those affected. This essay underscores the significance of understanding mental health and the critical role of healthcare professionals in supporting individuals on their journey to recovery.

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