Question

Review the Vocabulary What are the symptoms of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa?

Short answer

Anorexia nervosa is characterized by symptoms such as extremely restricted eating, fear of gaining weight and distorted body image. In contrast, bulimia nervosa is typified by episodes of binge eating followed by purging behaviors such as forced vomiting, excessive use of laxatives or diuretics, and disproportionate self-assessment based on body shape and weight.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a psychological and potentially life-threatening eating disorder. Those suffering from this eat very little amounts of food intentionally which leads to a weight that's considerably less than minimal normal weight.

Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa

Symptoms can include extremely restricted eating, intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, a relentless pursuit of thinness and unwillingness to maintain a healthy weight, a heavy influence of body weight or perceived body shape on self-esteem and a distorted body image.

Understanding Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa, also known simply as bulimia, is an eating disorder characterized by binge eating followed by purging.

Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa

Symptoms can include recurrent episodes of eating significantly more food in a short period of time than most people would eat under similar circumstances, followed by behaviors to prevent weight gain, such as forced vomiting, excessive use of laxatives or diuretics, fasting, excessive exercise, or a combination of these behaviors. Also, a self-esteem overly influenced by body shape and weight.

Key concepts

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a complex eating disorder that impacts both the body and the mind. It manifests with an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted self-image. Individuals with this disorder often go to great lengths to avoid food, leading to significant nutritional deficiencies and dangerously low body weight.
Anorexia is not just about food; it's about a deep, overwhelming anxiety related to weight gain. Here are some common symptoms:

• Severe calorie restriction and avoidance of food
• Excessive exercise to burn more calories
• Preoccupation with dieting and weight loss
• Extreme fear of gaining weight
• Distorted perception of body size and shape

Psychological and physical health can be heavily affected by anorexia nervosa, increasing the risk of severe health issues like heart problems, anemia, and brittle bones. Addressing both the physical and psychological aspects is crucial for recovery.

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is another eating disorder with distinct characteristics. It involves cycles of overeating followed by desperate attempts to shed the calories consumed through purging. Such behaviors usually arise from a fear of gaining weight, similar to anorexia.
The symptoms of bulimia can vary but often include:

• Binge eating, or consuming large quantities of food in a short period
• Subsequent actions to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting
• Overuse of laxatives, diuretics, or other medications
• Fasting or extreme dieting after binges
• Excessive concern with body weight and shape impacting self-esteem

Bulimia can have devastating effects on health, including digestive issues, severe dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances. It is vital for those affected to seek support that addresses both emotional and physical health challenges.

Psychological Symptoms

Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are heavily influenced by psychological symptoms that can interfere with a person's everyday life. These psychological factors play a central role in the development and maintenance of these disorders.
Some common psychological symptoms include:

• Obsessive thoughts about food, eating, and body shape
• Low self-esteem tied to body image
• Of anxiety related to eating in public or social events
• Feelings of guilt or shame after eating
• Extreme emotional distress related to perceived weight gain

These psychological symptoms not only affect mental health but also have a profound influence on behavior and attitudes toward food. Understanding these symptoms is a critical step toward recovery and emphasizes the importance of comprehensive treatment plans that address both mental and physical health.