Eating Disorders: Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by abnormal eating pathology in the form of restrictive food intake, a distorted perception of body image and the irrational fear of gaining weight. According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, approximately 24 million people across the United States suffer from bulimia, anorexia or binge-eating disorder (2014). Anorexia nervosa is determined based on a set of three diagnostic criteria. The elements that must be present for diagnosis are the refusal to maintain a healthy body weight, chronic fear of weight gain and a distorted sense of body image. In the context of homosexual males, the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders …show more content…
In terms of treatment, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is considered to be beneficial as “…Eating disorders are fundamentally “cognitive disorders” and CBT is of its very nature designed to produce cognitive change” (Fairburn, 23). The cognitive nature of anorexia nervosa allows therapists to delve into the true root of the disorder and deliver treatment effectively. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy functions by identifying a patient’s psychopathology and using strategies and stages to address these concerns (Fairburn, 24). By determining a patient’s needs, the therapist is able to rehabilitate by overcoming underlying body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem. There are four clearly defined steps therapists employ while working with anorexia nervosa patients, each of which are a fixed length and consists or predetermined goals. In Stage 1, patients are encouraged to engage in treatment and are informed on two key goals: in session weighing and regular eating patterns (Fairburn, 24). In Stage 2 of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, the patient and therapist review progress in their eating habits, discuss any complications and determine if the patient is failing to comply with treatment (Fairburn, 25). Stage 3 consists of discussing the underlying causes and reasoning behind the development of the patient’s disorder and addressing any strategies to commence cognitive change (Fairburn, 25). The final stage of therapy includes discussing future prevention and strategies to avoid relapse (Fairburn, 25). The process of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is effective in tackling each of the causes mentioned above: it helps to make homosexual men comfortable in society, aids them in embracing their gender identity and helps diminish the dissatisfaction they experience towards their

Show More