Question

You have been asked by a middle school health teacher to discuss danger signs related to eating disorders in young people. Explain to them the types, symptoms, causes, and treatment options. What would you warn these young people about and how would you help them prevent the ego deficiencies and cognitive disturbances often associated with these disorders?

Answer 1

Eating disorders in young people can cause serious health issues. There are three types of eating eating disorders in younger people: a) Anorexia, inadequate intake of calories. b) Bulimia, overeating. c) Binge eating. Symptoms in a) Anorexia includes depression, anxiety, thinning of bones, weight loss etc. b) Bulimia includes sadness, mood swings, weight gain, unusual eating habits/patterns etc. Causes in a) Anorexia includes dieting, more physical activities, lack of resources, disease etc. b) Bulimia includes being over weight, depression, sadness, bingeing, unusual interest in food etc. Treatment for a) Anorexia includes antidepressant medications, behavioural therapies, psychotherapy, support group etc. b) Bulimia includes nutritional counselling, behaviour modification counselling or therapies, individual or family or group therapy, antidepressant medications etc. I would warn my fellow youngsters to adopt a healthy lifestyle avoiding rigorous physical activities, avoid junk/fast food, keep track on calories, quality and quantity of food, develop a healthy sleeping and eating patterns and overall a healthy lifestyle. Ego deficiencies and cognitive disturbances associated with these disorders can be prevented by creating  the awareness of commitment, purposefulness, solidity, social recognition, physical identity, genuinity, perception of self control etc. amongst the affected.