Case Studies in Abnormal Psychology
Case #1:
Abby Thurmond is clearly suffering from Bulimia Nervosa. She seemingly meets all the criteria and is a prime candidate for the disease. Being from an urban area, such as Miami, has put her at a higher risk. The social learning and cultural ideas she is constantly exposed to may have played a role in the start and continuation of her disorder. Also, Abby is described as “single, independent, and devoted to her work.” These characteristics may lead to perfectionism which is a common personality trait in those with Bulimia nervosa. The fact that she is 42 and writing her first screenplay leads me to believe that she enjoys trying new things and is not afraid to do so. This novelty-seeking personality and behavior can contribute to the impulsivity of her binges. Also, it is known that eating disorders are always more prevalent among women. With this particular diagnosis, later onset is not uncommon. As stated, Abby has been struggling with this problem for 15 years, placing the onset at approximately age 27. This relapse was brought on by a bout of depression she was experiencing after the high of her latest success had worn off. Against her better judgment and the knowledge she had obtained from Overeaters Anonymous, she allowed herself to spend an entire day surrounded by food at her friend’s wedding. In her emotionally vulnerable state and once alone, Abby began to binge. Within the five hours this continued, she experienced a sense of loss of control, trance-like state, anxiety of being found out, and then shame. This is the vicious cycle that takes place with binge eating. If the story ended here I would say she had binge eating disorder, but the presence of incessant exercising and smoking cigarettes to control her appetite lead me to a different disorder. These behaviors are called compensatory and are not present in those with binge eating disorder but are in bulimia nervosa. Fortunately, Abbey does not purge or abuse laxatives/diuretics because
Abby Thurmond is clearly suffering from Bulimia Nervosa. She seemingly meets all the criteria and is a prime candidate for the disease. Being from an urban area, such as Miami, has put her at a higher risk. The social learning and cultural ideas she is constantly exposed to may have played a role in the start and continuation of her disorder. Also, Abby is described as “single, independent, and devoted to her work.” These characteristics may lead to perfectionism which is a common personality trait in those with Bulimia nervosa. The fact that she is 42 and writing her first screenplay leads me to believe that she enjoys trying new things and is not afraid to do so. This novelty-seeking personality and behavior can contribute to the impulsivity of her binges. Also, it is known that eating disorders are always more prevalent among women. With this particular diagnosis, later onset is not uncommon. As stated, Abby has been struggling with this problem for 15 years, placing the onset at approximately age 27. This relapse was brought on by a bout of depression she was experiencing after the high of her latest success had worn off. Against her better judgment and the knowledge she had obtained from Overeaters Anonymous, she allowed herself to spend an entire day surrounded by food at her friend’s wedding. In her emotionally vulnerable state and once alone, Abby began to binge. Within the five hours this continued, she experienced a sense of loss of control, trance-like state, anxiety of being found out, and then shame. This is the vicious cycle that takes place with binge eating. If the story ended here I would say she had binge eating disorder, but the presence of incessant exercising and smoking cigarettes to control her appetite lead me to a different disorder. These behaviors are called compensatory and are not present in those with binge eating disorder but are in bulimia nervosa. Fortunately, Abbey does not purge or abuse laxatives/diuretics because