Eating Disorder
Any of a range of mental conditions in which there is a persistent disturbance of eating behaviour and impairment of physical or mental health.
History
Sir William Gull came up with the name of Anorexia Nervosa, it started to be the common name of naming patients with those who were starving themselves. This term came into popular circulation around 1828-1864. “28.8 million Americans will have an eating disorder in their lifetime.” There are many different categories that are classified as eating disorders such as:
- Anorexia Nervosa,
- Bulimia Nervosa
- binge eating disorder
Incidence
Young teens and college students are the most likely target group of those who acquire an eating disorder. They use resources such as diet pills, laxatives, fasting, or self-induced vomiting. Black, Indigenous, and people of color are a less likely group to obtain an eating disorder, white people are extremely likely to get an eating disorder over any race.
Diagnosis
People usually get diagnosed around the ages of 12-25 with some form of an eating disorder. Doctors conduct a psychological assessment which includes being given the patient's medical records, as well as conduct research on a patient’s relationship with food.
Causes
Eating disorders can be inherited by the parents gene but it is not something that a person is born with. Eating disorders can be inherited by the parents gene but it is not something that a person is born with. The primary cause of eating disorders is the over analysis of one's body. Worrying about weight, shape and what food the patient is consuming or lack thereof. It can also be sparked by comments made by parents, sports coaches, or peers about a patient's weight or appearance.
Symptoms
Signs and behaviors that are exhibited from an eating disorder is weight loss, hair loss, brittle nails, irritability, and dizziness. The brain functions that are involved is the orbitofrontal cortex, the parts of the brain that controls food intake control. The neurotransmitters involved are Basal Ganglia, serotonin, and dopamine.
Treatments
Treatment options include in patient or outpatient treatment where a psychiatrist monitors the patients food intake and teaches them how to better handle the relationship with food.
Famous Case
Freddie was a famous cricket player when he discovered that he had a certain type of eating disorder called Bulimia. This is his story.