Introduction Once thought to be a rare disease, anorexia nervosa (AN) is now “the third most common chronic disease among teenage girls” (Lucas, 2004, p. 21). This is a horrific amount considering that, “Approximately 5 to 10 percent of people with anorexia die as a result of either starvation or suicide” (Anorexia and Bulimia, 2004, p. 43). Although anorexia nervosa is mainly associated with women, men may also develop it, “with a female-male ratio of 10:1”(Gueguen, 2012, p. 537). It is possible for a patient to recover from AN, however relapses are very common (Anorexia and Bulimia). Thus making making long-term recovery seem out of reach to some patients.
Diagnostic Criteria (Signs and Symptoms)
There are many early warning signs of anorexia nervosa, the most common are changes in both behavior and physical appearance (Lucas, 2004). Many times a patient suffering from anorexia nervosa will withdraw from social settings. Many patients in the early stages of anorexia nervosa may develop a heightened interest in food preparation, exercise, and activity. Patients may also begin to establish increasingly difficult …show more content…
“Clinicians have struggled to understand the causes of eating disorders for more than a century, ascribing them variously to biology, psychology, or culture over the years…” (Lucas, 2004, p. 33). Research from twin and familial studies suggest that the cause may be a biological predisposition for certain people to be more vulnerable to eating disorders (Monsen, 2001). Certain patients were raised in homes where “families had focused excessively on issues of food and body image…” (Lucas,2004, p. 33-4). Whereas other patients seemed to be triggered by certain life events (Lucas,2004). Although researchers have yet to pinpoint a single cause for anorexia nervosa, it can be inferred that biological, social, and psychological factors do trigger this disorder (Lucas,
Diagnostic Criteria (Signs and Symptoms)
There are many early warning signs of anorexia nervosa, the most common are changes in both behavior and physical appearance (Lucas, 2004). Many times a patient suffering from anorexia nervosa will withdraw from social settings. Many patients in the early stages of anorexia nervosa may develop a heightened interest in food preparation, exercise, and activity. Patients may also begin to establish increasingly difficult …show more content…
“Clinicians have struggled to understand the causes of eating disorders for more than a century, ascribing them variously to biology, psychology, or culture over the years…” (Lucas, 2004, p. 33). Research from twin and familial studies suggest that the cause may be a biological predisposition for certain people to be more vulnerable to eating disorders (Monsen, 2001). Certain patients were raised in homes where “families had focused excessively on issues of food and body image…” (Lucas,2004, p. 33-4). Whereas other patients seemed to be triggered by certain life events (Lucas,2004). Although researchers have yet to pinpoint a single cause for anorexia nervosa, it can be inferred that biological, social, and psychological factors do trigger this disorder (Lucas,