Eating Disorders-Thematic Comparison

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EATING DISORDERS-MAGGIE CURRAN The purpose of this presentation was to review material pertaining to eating disorders. The first book, the clinical handbook of eating disorders, a clinical approach by Timothy Brewerton included chapters from an international panel of authors from many disciplines. The material covers many aspects including the consideration of different approaches to treating the illness. These included psychopharmacology, nutritional counselling, family assessment and therapy and Cognitive behaviour therapy. This is a comprehensive evaluation of the most up to date literature, which does not minimize the complexity of the illness. Just a little too thin by Michael Strober and Meg Schnider provides an informative…show more content…
In some individuals with eating disorders, certain chemicals in the brain that control hunger, appetite, and digestion have been found to be unbalanced. The exact meaning and implications of these imbalances remains under investigation. · Eating disorders often run in families. Current research indicates that there are significant genetic contributions to eating disorders. An individual with an immediate family member who had anorexia[->1] nervosa is 12 times more likely to develop the disease; and four times more likely to develop bulimia nervosa. Individuals with a family history should be especially vigilant of disordered eating behaviours if their loved one is involved in sports – especially those with a focus on weight management such as ballet, gymnastics or wrestling. · Eating disorders are complex conditions that can arise from a variety of potential causes. Once started, however, they can create a self-perpetuating cycle of physical and emotional…show more content…
Self help books and online CBT methods can support the process. Group therapy Clients may find mutual support and understanding by attending group sessions in conjunction with individual therapy. Sufferers of Bulimia appear to find groups easier this may be because sufferers of AN may be more secretive, distrustful or more competitive, seeing who can be the thinness There are a great deal of benefits from group therapy, including provision of education, normalizing (group members learn that they are not alone in their disease), support and acceptance (group members learn compassion and empathy for themselves and others), interpersonal skills and friendship, and confrontation of unhealthy behaviours. Another group that is gaining popularity is Overeaters anonymous, this is run on similar grounds to Alcoholics Anonymous and attendees have to abide by the twelve steps with food being viewed as a drug which they have no control over. Client

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