Question

Describe a specific example of how some aspect of culture either influences the diagnosis OR symptom presentation of a specific eating disorder or personality disorder. (300-500 words) by following Claim, Support and interpretation.

1) Claim - a one to two sentence thesis outlining your example.

2) Support - from an external source (i.e. not your textbook) defending your thesis. At least three discrete ideas or examples illustrating the cultural influence on the diagnosis or symptom presentation written in your own words.

3) Interpretation - 3-5 sentences drawing conclusions based on the support you provide. Use your example to explain why it is important to understand the cultural context in which a person experiences a mental illness.

Answer 1

Claim: An eating disorder involves intense fear of gaining weight coupled with refusal of maintain normal body weight. This type of eating disorder is called Anorexia Nervosa

Support: The victims often have distorted perception of their own bodies. They believe that they are much heavier than they really are. Specially the young girls think that they are not so beautiful for their excessive weight. It creates tremendous mental pressure. They starve themselves to the point where their weight drops so dangerously low level. They suffer from low weight and tiredness. Their blood counts also become low and they look so thin, They suffer from insomnia, dizziness and so on.

Interpretation: That intense social pressures do indeed play a role in anorexia nervosa is suggested by the findings of the recent study by Paxton and her colleagues. It causes a serious threat to the physical as well as mental health. They always remain intense fear and worries.