Evaluation of the Contribution of the Biological and Psychoanalytic Schools of Thought in Psychology to the Understanding of Anorexia Nervosa
Denitsa Radeva-Petrova, 09249520
Biological and Psychoanalytic Approaches to Anorexia Nervosa
Individual Differences and Conceptual/Historical Issues in Psychology, 7PSY0076
Evaluation of the Contribution of the Biological and Psychoanalytic Schools of Thought in Psychology to the Understanding of Anorexia Nervosa Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is an eating disorder, characterised by a refusal to maintain body weight that is at least 85% of what is considered normal for an individual’s height and age (APA, 2000). It is associated with an obsessive fear of gaining weight, which typically intensifies as the Body-Mass Index (BMI) decreases. People with anorexia believe that they are overweight and continue to diet even when they are severely emaciated (Hansell & Damour, 2005), which supports the idea of a distorted self-image or perception of one’s own weight and shape. Another important diagnostic criterion includes the absence of at least three consecutive menstrual cycles in postmenarcheal females (APA, 2000). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV-TR) distinguishes between two subtypes of AN, based on the method of weight loss. Anorexics who lose weight by bingeing and purging (self-induced vomiting), or by misuse of laxatives and diuretics, are classified as having binge-eating/purging type anorexia. Those who lose weight by restricting their food intake but do not engage in binge-eating or purging behaviour are classified as having restricting type anorexia (APA, 2000). The incidence and prevalence rates of AN are relatively low. The reported incidence ranges from 4.2 to 8.3 per 100,000 person-years (Miller & Golden, 2010). The disorder usually affects women. The male-to-female ratio is estimated at about 1:10 to 1:15 (HerpertzDahlmann, 2009). Incidence rates are highest for females aged 15-24. The 15- to 19-year-old female age group is at highest risk (Wakeling, 1996). The average point prevalence rate in young females
Biological and Psychoanalytic Approaches to Anorexia Nervosa
Individual Differences and Conceptual/Historical Issues in Psychology, 7PSY0076
Evaluation of the Contribution of the Biological and Psychoanalytic Schools of Thought in Psychology to the Understanding of Anorexia Nervosa Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is an eating disorder, characterised by a refusal to maintain body weight that is at least 85% of what is considered normal for an individual’s height and age (APA, 2000). It is associated with an obsessive fear of gaining weight, which typically intensifies as the Body-Mass Index (BMI) decreases. People with anorexia believe that they are overweight and continue to diet even when they are severely emaciated (Hansell & Damour, 2005), which supports the idea of a distorted self-image or perception of one’s own weight and shape. Another important diagnostic criterion includes the absence of at least three consecutive menstrual cycles in postmenarcheal females (APA, 2000). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV-TR) distinguishes between two subtypes of AN, based on the method of weight loss. Anorexics who lose weight by bingeing and purging (self-induced vomiting), or by misuse of laxatives and diuretics, are classified as having binge-eating/purging type anorexia. Those who lose weight by restricting their food intake but do not engage in binge-eating or purging behaviour are classified as having restricting type anorexia (APA, 2000). The incidence and prevalence rates of AN are relatively low. The reported incidence ranges from 4.2 to 8.3 per 100,000 person-years (Miller & Golden, 2010). The disorder usually affects women. The male-to-female ratio is estimated at about 1:10 to 1:15 (HerpertzDahlmann, 2009). Incidence rates are highest for females aged 15-24. The 15- to 19-year-old female age group is at highest risk (Wakeling, 1996). The average point prevalence rate in young females