Schonk Klinik Eating Disorder Discussion - Essay Example

Schonk Klinik Eating Disorder Discussion Schonk Klinik Eating Disorder Discussion Eating disorder is a psychological problem characterized by great passion for food that may affect an individual’s health. Four types of eating disorder exist, which include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge and eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS) (Birmingham & Treasure, 2010). Each eating disorder affects an individual at different developmental age, but they are common among teenagers. Development of eating disorder begins at the onset of the puberty stage.

The causes of anorexia are complex and may results from factors that include media and social influences, genetic, negative family interaction, parental behaviors and psychological factors. Anorexic individuals usually starve themselves and appear thin. Anorexics also experience an intense fear of gaining weight and may choose to restrict calories further to avoid weight gain (Harris & Lenox, 2013). Consequently, anorexics are often hungry and have a preoccupation with food. In addition to the need to lose weight, anorexic persons also have a disturbed view of body image and continue to view themselves as overweight.

Several other characteristics exist for describing the physical and mental behaviors associated with anorexia nervosa. Bulimia nervosa is another category of eating disorder but is a complete opposite of anorexia. Periods of compulsive eating that follows forced vomiting, or the use of laxatives is characteristics that describe Bulimia nervosa. Bulimia nervosa is a more common problem among teenagers and young adults (Striegel-Moore, 2011). Binge eating is common among dieters. However, it becomes abnormal if it occurs more than two times a week over a period of three months.

Similar to anorexics, bulimics have a concern with their weight. However, they are more in the normal weight ranges than individuals that experience anorexia (Ginter, Duncan & Swayne 2013). One of the characteristics describing bulimics is feeding on a large amount of food after a period of two hours. Bulimics experience a feeling of losing control or unable to stop eating or monitor the amount of food that they eat. ReferenceBirmingham, C. L., & Treasure, J. (2010). Medical Management of Eating Disorders.

Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.Ginter, M., Duncan, J., & Swayne E. (2013). The Strategic Management of Heath Care Organization. California: Jossey-Bass.Harris, D., & Lenox, J. (2013). The Strategist’s Toolkit. Virginia:  Darden Business Publishing.Striegel-Moore, R. (2011). Developing an Evidence-based Classification of Eating Disorders: Scientific Findings for DSM-5. Virginia: American Psychiatric Pub.