Proposal for Evidence Based Practice Paper for Anorexia Nervosa in Teenagers
Proposal for Evidence Based Practice Paper
Michelle A. Steen
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Abstract
This paper explores the proposed use of Dialectic Therapy (DBT) on adolescents between the ages of twelve and eighteen who are diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa (AN). It will address the nature and extent of the issue of AN in the target population, weigh the positive and negative aspects of different types of therapies on the target population and show the potential limitations of the use of DBT versus other forms of therapies.
Proposal for Evidence Based Practice Paper
This paper will discuss Anorexia Nervosa as an eating disorder that predominantly affects girls and young women. In industrial countries, such as the United States the disorder’s prevalence can be as high as 370 per 100,000 (Hoek & van Hoeken, 2003). Anorexia nervosa may affect a patient’s mental and physical condition to such an extent that involuntary hospital admission is inevitable.
PROBLEM TO BE ADDRESSED According to The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), Anorexia Nervosa (AN) occurs when an adolescent refuses to maintain body weight at or above a minimal normal weight for age and height. The weight loss is usually self-imposed and the adolescent usually weighs less than 85% of their expected weight. The condition occurs most frequently in females; however, it can occur in males. (2010) Generally, the teenager has an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat even though underweight. Self evaluation of body weight and shape may be distorted and there may be denial of the potential health hazards caused by the low body weight. (Guest, 2000) Physical symptoms can include the absence of regular menstrual cycles, dry skin, low pulse rate, and low blood pressure. Behavioral changes commonly occur such as social withdrawal, irritability, moodiness and depression. Without treatment, this disorder can
Michelle A. Steen
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Abstract
This paper explores the proposed use of Dialectic Therapy (DBT) on adolescents between the ages of twelve and eighteen who are diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa (AN). It will address the nature and extent of the issue of AN in the target population, weigh the positive and negative aspects of different types of therapies on the target population and show the potential limitations of the use of DBT versus other forms of therapies.
Proposal for Evidence Based Practice Paper
This paper will discuss Anorexia Nervosa as an eating disorder that predominantly affects girls and young women. In industrial countries, such as the United States the disorder’s prevalence can be as high as 370 per 100,000 (Hoek & van Hoeken, 2003). Anorexia nervosa may affect a patient’s mental and physical condition to such an extent that involuntary hospital admission is inevitable.
PROBLEM TO BE ADDRESSED According to The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), Anorexia Nervosa (AN) occurs when an adolescent refuses to maintain body weight at or above a minimal normal weight for age and height. The weight loss is usually self-imposed and the adolescent usually weighs less than 85% of their expected weight. The condition occurs most frequently in females; however, it can occur in males. (2010) Generally, the teenager has an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat even though underweight. Self evaluation of body weight and shape may be distorted and there may be denial of the potential health hazards caused by the low body weight. (Guest, 2000) Physical symptoms can include the absence of regular menstrual cycles, dry skin, low pulse rate, and low blood pressure. Behavioral changes commonly occur such as social withdrawal, irritability, moodiness and depression. Without treatment, this disorder can
References: Bakker, R., van Meijel, B., Beukers, L., Ommen, J., Meerwijk, E., & van Elburg, A. (2011) Recovery of normal body weight in adolescents with anorexia nervosa: the nurses’ perspective on effective interventions. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing 24, 16–22 Bean, P., Louks, H., Kay, B., Cornelia-Carson, T., & Weltzin, T. (2010). Clinical observations of the impact of maudsley therapy in improving eating disorder symptoms, weight, and depression in adolescents receiving treatment for anorexia nervosa. Journal of Groups in Addiction & Recovery, 5, 70-82. Buchanan, A. (2006) Glossery of Syptoms and Mental Illness Affecting Teenagers retrieved from: http://www.articlecity.com/articles/kids_and_teens/article_252.shtml April 12, 2010 Guest, T. (2000) Using the eating disorder examination in the assessment of bulimia and anorexia: issues of reliability and validity. Social Work in Health Care, 31(4) 71-84 Hoek, H.W.,& van Hoeken,D. (2003). Review of the prevalence and incidence of eating disorders. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 34 (4), 383–396. Lock, J., le Grange, D., Agras, W.S., & Dare, C. (2001). Treatment manual for anorexia nervosa: A family-based approach. New York, NY: The Guilford Press. Rieger, E., Touyz, S. W. and Beumont, P. J. V. (2002), The anorexia nervosa stages of change questionnaire (ANSOCQ): information regarding its psychometric properties. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 32: 24–38. Santucci, P. (2010) A Brief Overview of Therapies Used in the Treatment of Eating Disorders: A Consumer’s Guide. Retrieved from: http://www.anad.org/get-information/information-about-treatment/ April, 14, 2011 Schaffner, A., Buchanan, L. (2010) Evidence-based practices in outpatient treatment for eating disorders. International Journal of Behavioral Consultation & Therapy 6(1) 35-44