Common Themes Of Anorexia Nervosa

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Recommended: Similarities between bulimia and anorexia

Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa are two common eating disorders that seem to have evolved from societal pressures to be thin. The short video, “Dying to be thin and the two articles, Serpell 1999 Anorexia Nervosa and Serpell 2002 Bulimia Nervosa illustrate common themes that manifest from the disorder. These common themes have positive and negative reinforcers that led me to believe that the disorder has environmental, psychological and biological implication that impacts the individual core beliefs. I could also see that there is more to the disorder than just the desire to be thin. The positive and negative reinforcers of the disorder were revealed when the clinician asked the clients to describe how they felt about the weight …show more content…

The positive reinforcers from the disorder helped them with their boredom by giving them something to do; they felt pleasure knowing that they could eat whatever they wanted and not gain weight; they felt attractive and in control. I found this surprising because there are plenty of things to do. Why aren’t they receiving any satisfaction from normal activities? I am wondering where is the sense of being powerless coming from. The video provided prime examples of people from various walks of life that suffered from this eating disorder. Dancers, models and some religious figure have fallen victim to this disorder. In the 1800’s being thin was equated with being spiritual. Many religions teach that the body is a temple and practice disciplines to maintain the upkeep, however, the discipline should not be taken to the extreme to cause death. I can say the same for the dancers and models who pushed themselves near the point of death. Some of the negative reinforcers associated with disorder were also discussed. To name a few Anorexics felt taken over by the disorder, cheated and tired of the weight obsession; Bulimics felt shame, lack of confidence, and an obsession with weight and …show more content…

The client is asked to write two letters. One letter addresses the disorder as a friend and the other letter addresses the disorder as an enemy. It aims at addressing the issues of what purpose the eating disorder serves. I can see that like addiction this disorder serves as a means for the client to escape from trauma; escape from emotions and feelings; and serves as a way to feel in control. Although the treatment is successful I think that we need to go a step further and address those family and environmental stressors that are pushing our children and adults into this

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