Aetiology of Eating Disorders cont....... psychology notes

cont.... Aetiology of Eating Disorders —————————— D. Biological -genetic - 47% from m twin from 10% d twins. -Hypothalamic Phenomenon regulates (hypothalamic) hunger/eating. Lesions - lose weight and no appetite- don’t account in humans and lose weight. People think about food all the time. There is a distorted body image and fear of being fat. - Release of endogenous opioids - often no food for some time; euphoria; may become addicted to feeling. In bulimia low level of endogenous opioids cause cravings. Craving pushes toward binge eating and therefore increases in endogenous. - low serotonin levels -predisposes to impulsivity. - high serotonin levels produces saturation cravings for carbohydrate - favourite food to binge on food. Can test for serotonin levels. Low norepinephrine levels -initiates eating 2. Sociocultural Variables -thinness as the feminine ideal -higher prevalence in industrialized societies where there is cultural pressure to be thin and abundance of food. 3. Psychodynamic Views Bruck’s Theory - parents of children impose their wishes on their children (no choice for child or recognition)(children refer to others- dieting becomes their control - if forced to eat, will vomit later. Sense of control there. Minuchin’s Theory (characteristics of family) (1) enmeshment - all too close 2. over protectiveness 3. rigidity of family structure 4. Lack of conflict Individual may grow but not family - Want to separate - not allowed to separate Resolution (1) repression of conflict (2) no resolution Family Dynamics - pre-disposal of vulnerability if family is always fighting- child can control by disorder and attention is diverted to her instead of family. Personality factors -interoceptive awareness neurotisism perfectionism, but not realistic e.g.. body type. 3. compliant 4. inhibited 5. low self esteem 6. lack of interceptive awareness extent to distinguish different stats of body - e.g. feeling in stomach and no sense of what it is. If feeling, can rule out things. 4. Cognitive - Behavioural Views Weight loss is a powerful re-enforcer. Social re-enforcement - praise for thinness - ridicule for weight gain to be continued with D. Biological Treatments Have a Happy Canada Day!!!!!!!