What are hallmark features of anorexia nervosa?


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What are the hallmarks of anorexia nervosa? The core psychological feature of anorexia nervosa is the extreme overvaluation of shape and weight. People with anorexia also have the physical capacity to tolerate extreme self imposed weight loss. Food restriction is only one aspect of the practices used to lose weight.

What part of the brain is associated with anorexia nervosa?

Most fMRI studies performed in patients with anorexia nervosa focused on food, taste, physical appearance and social cognition. Although very different in terms of the study protocol, the most common findings are increased activation of the amygdala and altered activation of the cingulate cortex.

What are 2 major complications from anorexia nervosa?

  • Anemia.
  • Heart problems, such as mitral valve prolapse, abnormal heart rhythms or heart failure.
  • Bone loss (osteoporosis), increasing the risk of fractures.
  • Loss of muscle.
  • In females, absence of a period.
  • In males, decreased testosterone.
  • Gastrointestinal problems, such as constipation, bloating or nausea.

What is the pathology of anorexia?

Anorexia nervosa is a psychiatric disease in which patients restrict their food intake relative to their energy requirements through eating less, exercising more, and/or purging food through laxatives and vomiting. Despite being severely underweight, they do not recognize it and have distorted body images.

What is a feature common to most patients with eating disorders?

Excessive preoccupation with food and dissatisfaction with one’s body shape or weight. A compulsion to engage in extreme eating habits and unhealthy methods of weight control such as: o Fasting or binge-eating. o Excessive exercise.

Can anorexia cause brain lesions?

There have been some reports of cerebral lesions [2-22] (generally tumors) in adolescents and young adults whose initial symptoms of anorexia and emacia- tion, as well as the typical psychological disturbances, have led to the diagnosis of anorexia nervosa (AN).

What happens to your brain when you have anorexia?

Parts of the brain undergo structural changes and abnormal activity during anorexic states. Reduced heart rate, which could deprive the brain of oxygen. Nerve-related conditions including seizures, disordered thinking, and numbness or odd nerve sensations in the hands or feet.

What are 3 health risks associated with anorexia?

Anorexia can lead to several short-term and long-term effects. Short-term health risks include weight loss, gastrointestinal complaints, fatigue, dehydration, and hair loss, among others.

What are the 5 symptoms of anorexia?

The progression of anorexia can cause many changes and affect virtually all body organs. Symptoms may include fatigue, constipation, feeling cold, brittle hair and dry skin.

What is the most common medical complication of anorexia?

Cardiac. Bradycardia (pulse <60) and hypotension are among the most common physical findings in patients with anorexia nervosa, with bradycardia seen in up to 95% of patients.

Which of the following characterizes a person suffering from anorexia nervosa?

The typical characteristics of a person with anorexia nervosa include: Low body mass index (<17.5 kg/m2) Bodyweight less than 85 percent of ideal body weight. Body temperature less than 35-degree Celcius.

Which of the following is one of the diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa?

To be diagnosed with anorexia nervosa according to the DSM-5, the following criteria must be met: Restriction of energy intake relative to requirements leading to a significantly low body weight in the context of age, sex, developmental trajectory, and physical health.

Which of the following is a physiological change often associated with anorexia nervosa?

Which of the following is a physiological change often associated with anorexia nervosa? fever, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Which of the following symptoms would indicate that a patient has binge eating disorder?

Eating rapidly during binge episodes. Eating until you’re uncomfortably full. Frequently eating alone or in secret. Feeling depressed, disgusted, ashamed, guilty or upset about your eating.

Does anorexia cause brain atrophy?

Cerebral atrophy โ€” or what’s known as “starved brain” โ€” is a common complication of anorexia nervosa and describes a loss of brain mass due to starvation.

How starvation affects the brain?

Restricted eating, malnourishment, and excessive weight loss can lead to changes in our brain chemistry, resulting in increased symptoms of depression and anxiety (Centre for Clinical Interventions, 2018b). These changes in brain chemistry and poor mental health outcomes skew reality.

How does being underweight affect the brain?

Being underweight also leads to low haemoglobin count in the blood. Haemoglobin is essential for carrying oxygen to the brain, and being low on this parameter results in poor oxygenation of the brain, leading to regular episodes of dizziness, easy fatigability and cognitive decline.

What are 2 biological causes of anorexia?

Biological factors This association may be due to the presence of a genetic link that is inherited from the parents. It could also be an acquired trait from environmental circumstances, such as developing negative thoughts about body image similar to other members of the family.

What part of the brain is responsible for eating?

The hypothalamus handles information that comes from the autonomic nervous system. It plays a role in controlling functions such as eating, sexual behavior and sleeping; and regulates body temperature, emotions, secretion of hormones and movement.

What causes brain fog in anorexia?

It is thought that the loss of tissue mass in the frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes are most connected with the brain fog that individuals with anorexia nervosa have.

What other disorders might occur with anorexia nervosa?

  • Anxiety.
  • Depression.
  • Substance abuse/alcohol.
  • Self-injury.
  • Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

What other diseases can anorexia cause?

Anorexia is associated with bone health issues. This can include osteopenia, fractures, osteoporosis, and more. The longer a person lives with anorexia, the more severe these problems will be. Additionally, some bone loss stemming from anorexia can be irreversible.

Which medical complication is possible with the diagnosis of anorexia nervosa?

Anorexia nervosa is associated with numerous general medical complications that are directly attributable to weight loss and malnutrition [1,2]. The complications affect most major organ systems and often include physiologic disturbances such as hypotension, bradycardia, hypothermia, and amenorrhea.

What are warning signs that a person may be suffering from anorexia nervosa quizlet?

  • Rapid weight loss over several weeks or months.
  • Continuing to diet/limited eating even when thin or when weight is very low.
  • Having an unusual interest in food, calories, nutrition, or cooking.
  • Intense fear of gaining weight.
  • Strange eating habits or routines, such as eating in secret.

Who does anorexia mainly affect?

Anorexia is more common among girls and women than boys and men. Anorexia is also more common among girls and younger women than older women. On average, girls develop anorexia at 16 or 17. Teen girls between 13 and 19 and young women in their early 20s are most at risk.

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