Anorexia Nervosa Research Paper - 733 Words

Prevalence of anorexia nervosa (AN) continues to be on the rise. AN has the highest lethality of all psychiatric conditions; its chronicity is due to high levels of psychiatric morbidity, common relapse, unknown etiology, and great variability in the course of illness and final outcome (Guarda, 2008). Characterized by pathological food-restraining behaviors, intense fear of gaining weight, and distorted perceptions of one’s body weight and size (Hooley, Butcher, Nock, Mineka, 2016), this paper will examine the etiology, assessment, prognosis, and treatment of anorexia nervosa. Etiology Although research is still ongoing regarding the actual causative mechanisms for AN, biological and socio-cultural models as well as individual factors†¦show more content†¦These genetic and biological predispositions are also thought to maintain the illness and determine the severity and chronicity of AN (Woerwag-Mehta Treasure, 2008). Socio-cultural Factors Predisposing social factors include, isolation, at-risk occupations for AN (athlete or ballet dancing), abuse, overprotective parenting, and attachment difficulties (Woerwag-Mehta Treasure, 2008). Perpetuating factors include family dynamics (pattern of interaction, communication style), maladaptive parenting behavior, and highly expressed criticisms (Woerwag-Mehta Treasure, 2008). These social risk factors for AN are precipitated by stressful life events or cultural values (Woerwag-Mehta Treasure, 2008). Current social norms that present an exaggerated emphasis on excessive thinness have a large influence on the etiology of AN than any other factor. There is no denying the influence that the media continues to have on the development of AN. Countless studies on the changes of ideal body standards portrayed in the media over time in western society have trended towards thinner and thinner body ideals; there is observed to be aShow MoreRelatedâ€Å" Anorexia Nervosa † Research Paper3155 Words   |  13 Pagesâ€Å" ANOREXIA NERVOSA † INTRODUCTION Most of us have heard at least one story of an emaciated teen age girl who starves herself because she’s convinced she’s fat. But despite anorexia’s TV – talk show familiarity, misconceptions about it abound. As a result, many sufferers can often go moths or even years before someone notices that they’re sick and steers them toward help. Some teenage girls go through this kind of disorder at different times of their lives. This kind of illnessRead MoreAnorexia Nervos A Serious Physical And Emotional Illness Essay1521 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction What is anorexia? 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