Treating Eating Disorders Analysis
A variety of methods are utilized to assess and treat eating disorders. The primary methods used are; interviews, self-report questionnaires, self-monitoring , and physical assessment. Interviews are frequently used to ascertain information such as current height and weight, thought and physical feelings about eating, thoughts and feelings about body shape and image, behaviors that prevent weight gain, and how to reach long-term goals. All of this information is important in making a determination about how to treat someone with an eating disorder because characteristics unique to that client can be identified and addressed. Many therapists have a preference for unstructured interviews. On the other hand, structured
interviews typically rely on diagnostic criteria and contain set questions. Self-Report Questionnaires are frequently used to screen for eating problems. Components of eating disorders such as body dissatisfaction and binge eating can be scored to identify common features. Self-monitoring involves people with eating disorders recording their daily behaviors and symptoms. It also allows the client to focus on what happened right before or directly after a symptom or behavior. The act of self-monitoring itself can help reduce symptoms and behaviors because when we are required to record our activities, we tend to "do them" less. Recording the frequency of behaviors in a journal/diary such as excessive exercising, emotions, thoughts, and instances of purging and the thoughts that preceded and followed the behaviors can be insightful. A client may also record and keep track of meals and exercise. Additionally, high-tech self-monitoring using electronic diaries and smartphone apps can be a convenient way to record and monitor. Physical assessment is carried out through a medical examination as many eating disorder symptoms are physical, such as low weight, and eating disorders can result in serious medical symptoms, which can ultimately be life threatening. A physical exam can focus on height and weight to determine body mass index, heart rate, and muscle tone and strength. A physical assessment can also aid physicians and therapists in deterring the first step in a treatment plan. Physical interventions such as a nasogastic tube for feeding may be required. Furthermore, laboratory tests may be ordered by a physician including, a metabolic panel to check for electrolyte imbalance, blood count to check anemia, enzyme test to rule out malnutrition, serum amylase test to show purging behavior and finally, bone scans to rule out calcium deficiency or bone mass loss.
interviews typically rely on diagnostic criteria and contain set questions. Self-Report Questionnaires are frequently used to screen for eating problems. Components of eating disorders such as body dissatisfaction and binge eating can be scored to identify common features. Self-monitoring involves people with eating disorders recording their daily behaviors and symptoms. It also allows the client to focus on what happened right before or directly after a symptom or behavior. The act of self-monitoring itself can help reduce symptoms and behaviors because when we are required to record our activities, we tend to "do them" less. Recording the frequency of behaviors in a journal/diary such as excessive exercising, emotions, thoughts, and instances of purging and the thoughts that preceded and followed the behaviors can be insightful. A client may also record and keep track of meals and exercise. Additionally, high-tech self-monitoring using electronic diaries and smartphone apps can be a convenient way to record and monitor. Physical assessment is carried out through a medical examination as many eating disorder symptoms are physical, such as low weight, and eating disorders can result in serious medical symptoms, which can ultimately be life threatening. A physical exam can focus on height and weight to determine body mass index, heart rate, and muscle tone and strength. A physical assessment can also aid physicians and therapists in deterring the first step in a treatment plan. Physical interventions such as a nasogastic tube for feeding may be required. Furthermore, laboratory tests may be ordered by a physician including, a metabolic panel to check for electrolyte imbalance, blood count to check anemia, enzyme test to rule out malnutrition, serum amylase test to show purging behavior and finally, bone scans to rule out calcium deficiency or bone mass loss.