How effective is treating patients with medication to stop eating disorders - Research Paper Example

The most known types of eating disorder are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. The binge eating disorder is the third common eating disorder (American Psychiatric Association 2005). Anorexia nervosa is a condition that causes patients to have a distorted image of oneself. The patients see themselves as overweight even when they are thin. This causes one to starve as a means of controlling their weight. On the other hand, Bulimia nervosa involves a patient eating excessive quantities of food and later vomiting by using laxatives, enemas, diuretics, vomiting and exercising for fear of gaining weight.

Lastly, binge eating disorder involves a patient suffering from uncontrolled eating (FYI, 2008). Media report that adolescents and young women account for 90% of eating disorder cases. However, older women and the male gender can also suffer from eating disorders. This condition is caused by psychological factors. These people suffer from low self-esteem, sense of self helplessness, and dissatisfaction with their looks. According to the FYI, each of these disorders is linked to certain traits (2008).

For example, anorexic patients tend to be perfectionists, and people with bulimia are usually impulsive. Research shows also a possibility of a genetic link to these disorders (FYI, 2008). Research further shows there are situations least likely to be treated, however, they do not heal naturally, and leaving them untreated could cause serious consequences (FYI, 2008) . The national institute of mental health estimates one out of ten anorexia cases results in death from starvation, suicide, or medical complications like heart or kidney.

Eating disorders express certain physical disorders such as anaemia, palpitation, hair, and bone loss. These disorders also exhibit mental disorders like depression anxiety disorders and substance abuse. Most cases of eating disorders require treatment by a mental health care specialist. Treatment in many cases does not work instantly as it may be a long-term process. Standard treatments for eating disorders include medications, psychotherapy, nutrition therapy, supportive and adjunct interventions such as yoga, art, massage, and movement therapy.

We are, however, interested in medication and its effectiveness in treating the disorder. Many drugs available target the treatment of eating disorders. Fluoxetine is one such drug that has effectively been used in the treatment of bulimia nervosa (National Eating Disorder Association, 2008). Medication used in the treatment of eating disorders usually aims at treating serious depressions, anxiety, or obsessive compulsive disorder that coexists with an eating disorder. Other drugs aim at making the, patient satisfied, thus preventing binge-eating.

Some of the drugs used such as antidepressants alleviate serious depression, anxiety. However, many research still needs to be carried out to come up with the effective forms of treatment. Anorexia nervosa requires a range of treatment for it to be treated. Research indicates that treatment is highly likely to be effective early in a disorder. According to the national institute of health and clinical excellence a combination of other forms of therapy and medication is the most effective way of treating eating disorder (Postpone, 2007).

Specialists recommend