Anna is a 20-year-old college student who is slightly overweight. Anna is neat and orderly and considered to be a perfectionist. Anna has a sister, Margie, who is 2 years younger and has always been very slim.

QUESTION

Case Study, Mohr

CHAPTER26, Eating Disorders

In completing the case study, students will be addressing the following learning objectives:

Discuss possible etiologies for eating disorders.

Differentiate anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and binge eating disorder.

1. Anna is a 20-year-old college student who is slightly overweight. Anna is neat and orderly and considered to be a perfectionist. Anna has a sister, Margie, who is 2 years younger and has always been very slim. Anna thinks that she is ugly and that her sister is pretty. Anna began a daily diet of 500 calories with a rigid exercise program to lose weight rapidly. Anna’s weight decreased below the normal amount for her height. Anna continued to diet by reducing her daily caloric intake to 250 calories and then to 100 calories and began to look emaciated. Anna’s parents asked her to increase her food intake, but Anna said that she was “still fat and ugly.” Anna’s parents intervened by taking her to a psychiatrist for treatment. Anna’s diagnosis was anorexia nervosa.

(Learning Objectives: 1)

a. What is the probable cause of Anna’s eating disorder?

b. What specific eating disorder does Anna most likely have?

ANSWER

Understanding Anorexia Nervosa: Causes and Diagnosis in a Case Study of a College Student

Introduction 

Eating disorders are complex conditions that can have severe physical and psychological consequences. Among the various types of eating disorders, Anna’s case demonstrates features consistent with anorexia nervosa. To better understand her condition, it is important to explore the probable causes and underlying factors contributing to her eating disorder.

What is the probable cause of Anna’s eating disorder?

The probable cause of Anna’s eating disorder, anorexia nervosa, involves a combination of factors. While the exact etiology is not fully understood, research suggests that genetic predisposition, psychological factors, and sociocultural influences can contribute to its development.

Genetic predisposition is one potential factor. Studies have shown that individuals with a family history of eating disorders are at a higher risk of developing anorexia nervosa themselves (Berrettini, n.d.). This implies that certain genetic factors may contribute to an individual’s vulnerability to developing the disorder.

Psychological factors also play a significant role in the development of anorexia nervosa. Anna’s case reflects several psychological characteristics commonly associated with the disorder. Her perfectionistic tendencies, as indicated by her neatness, orderliness, and the desire to achieve a particular standard, are often seen in individuals with anorexia nervosa (Holland et al., 2013). Furthermore, Anna’s negative body image and body dissatisfaction, coupled with her belief that she is ugly compared to her slim sister, suggest distorted self-perception and low self-esteem. These psychological factors contribute to the development of disordered eating behaviors to regain control and achieve an ideal body image.

What specific eating disorder does Anna most likely have?

Based on the information provided, Anna’s symptoms align with a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa. Anorexia nervosa is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, leading to restrictive eating patterns and significant weight loss. Individuals with anorexia nervosa typically have a distorted body image, perceiving themselves as overweight despite being underweight (Moore, 2022). Anna’s daily diet restriction, rigid exercise program, and persistent belief that she is fat and ugly despite reaching an emaciated state are consistent with the diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa.

It is essential to note that the diagnosis of anorexia nervosa requires a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional, and this case study provides limited information. However, the presented symptoms strongly suggest anorexia nervosa as the most likely specific eating disorder in Anna’s case.

In conclusion, Anna’s case exemplifies the challenges associated with anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder characterized by severe food restriction, distorted body image, and a relentless pursuit of thinness. The probable causes of her eating disorder involve a combination of genetic predisposition, psychological factors such as perfectionism and body dissatisfaction, and sociocultural influences. By understanding the underlying factors contributing to eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, healthcare professionals can provide appropriate treatment and support to individuals like Anna, promoting their physical and psychological well-being.

References

Berrettini, W. (n.d.). The Genetics of Eating Disorders. PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3010958/ 

Holland, L. H., Bodell, L. P., & Keel, P. K. (2013). Psychological Factors Predict Eating Disorder Onset and Maintenance at 10-year Follow-up. European Eating Disorders Review, 21(5), 405–410. https://doi.org/10.1002/erv.2241 

Moore, C. A. (2022, August 29). Anorexia Nervosa. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459148/