Question 1

Ann suffers from bulimia and has been gaining weight. Her parents are concerned and have been encouraging her to go on a diet. What would you tell her and her parents?

Accepted Answer

Dieting is not a recommended solution for individuals with bulimia, as it can contribute to subsequent binge eating. It is important for Ann to seek professional help and support for her eating disorder. Her parents should also educate themselves on the appropriate ways to support their daughter. Making comments about her weight or encouraging her to diet may do more harm than good.

Question 2

What is the first goal of the treatment of anorexia nervosa?

Accepted Answer

The first goal of treatment for anorexia nervosa is typically to restore body weight to a healthy level. This is important for physical health and can also improve psychological functioning.

Question 3

A weight level the body seems to defend by adjusting its rate of energy use is called the

Accepted Answer

The term "weight set point" refers to the weight level that the body defends by adjusting its rate of energy use. This concept suggests that the body has a certain weight range within which it will work to maintain, and that it will respond to changes in weight by trying to bring the individual back to that range.

Question 4

Although extremely rare, eating disorders have been linked to lesions in the

Accepted Answer

The hypothalamus is responsible for regulating hunger and satiety, as well as other autonomic functions. Studies have shown that individuals with eating disorders may have lesions or alterations in the hypothalamus, which could contribute to their disordered eating behaviors. Lesions in other areas of the brain, such as the striatum, cerebellum, or hippocampus, have not been consistently linked to eating disorders.

Question 5

With respect to the role of genetics in eating disorders, it is most likely that

Accepted Answer

While there is evidence to suggest a genetic component to eating disorders, the relationship is complex and not fully understood. It is unlikely that anorexia or bulimia are solely inherited, but rather influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Additionally, research has shown that certain personality traits, such as perfectionism and neuroticism, may increase the risk for developing an eating disorder and these traits may be influenced by genetics. Therefore, choice C is the best answer as it acknowledges the influence of genetics on personality traits that may contribute to the development of eating disorders. Choice D is not a valid answer as it ignores the evidence for the genetic component of eating disorders.

Question 6

___________ or negative mood states commonly trigger episodes of binge eating according to Vogele and Gibson.

Accepted Answer

Vogele and Gibson suggest that dysphoria, or negative mood states, are common triggers for binge eating.

Question 7

Paula suffers from bulimia nervosa and is considering treatment with an antidepressant medication. Knowing that you have been studying this issue, she asks your opinion. What should you tell her?

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that relapse is common when medication is stopped, and this is especially true for antidepressants used to treat bulimia nervosa. It is important for Paula to be aware of this possibility and to work closely with her healthcare provider to develop a long-term treatment plan that addresses the underlying issues contributing to her eating disorder.

Question 8

A group of research participants is in front of a series of schematic figures of women ranging from very thin to very obese. What is the researcher investigating?

Accepted Answer

The researcher is most likely investigating the participants' levels of dissatisfaction with their own body image, as they are being shown a range of different body types. This could be related to issues such as body dysmorphia or negative body image. Option A, body-size delusional systems, is not a commonly used or recognized term in psychology. Option B, deficits in sensory perception, does not seem relevant to the situation described. Option D, the effects of punishment on eating behavior, is not mentioned in the scenario at all.

Question 9

What have researchers concluded concerning the role of neurophysiological factors in eating disorders?

Accepted Answer

Researchers have concluded that neurophysiological changes are often the effects of eating disorders rather than the cause, indicating that these changes occur as a result of the disorder rather than being the initial trigger.

Question 10

An expert on eating disorders describes those with such disorders as "lacking introceptive awareness." Which of the following characterizes this lack?

Accepted Answer

"Introceptive awareness" refers to the ability to perceive internal bodily sensations, such as hunger and emotional states. Those with eating disorders may have a lack of this awareness, making it difficult to differentiate between hunger and other psychological signals.

Question 11

Researchers are finding an increased rate of which mental disorder in both victims of eating disorders and their family members?

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that depression is more commonly seen in both individuals with eating disorders and their family members. It is not necessarily linked to the eating disorder itself, but it may be a result of the stress and strain of dealing with the disorder and its effects on the individual and their family.

Question 12

In one study ___________ lead to a 70 to 80 percent reduction in binge eating and purging.

Accepted Answer

Cognitive behavior therapy has been found to be the most effective form of therapy for treating binge eating and purging. Studies have shown that it can lead to a 70-80% reduction in these behaviors. Cognitive behavior therapy helps individuals identify and change the negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their eating disorder, and develop new coping strategies for dealing with stress and emotions.

Question 13

In establishing an eating disorder clinic your group of professionals is keen to include all of the therapies that are currently being used to treat these disorders. You will likely include several different therapies, but not

Accepted Answer

Token economies are not commonly used to treat eating disorders, as they focus on external rewards rather than addressing the underlying psychological issues that contribute to the eating disorder. Therefore, it is unlikely that a comprehensive eating disorder clinic would include this therapy.

Answer: B, D
 Both Bruch's psychodynamic therapy and feminist therapies have been used in the treatment of eating disorders and could be valuable additions to an eating disorder clinic. Bruch's therapy focuses on exploring the emotional and psychological factors that contribute to the disorder, while feminist therapies take a more holistic view of the person and their environment. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is currently one of the most widely used therapies for eating disorders and would likely be included in a comprehensive treatment program.

Question 14

Frances suffers from bulimia nervosa and is seeing a therapist who is focusing on normalizing her eating patterns and on her dysfunctional attitudes. Which form of therapy is her therapist providing?

Accepted Answer

The therapist is providing cognitive behavior therapy, which focuses on changing dysfunctional attitudes and behavior patterns through a combination of cognitive and behavioral techniques. This approach is commonly used to treat eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa.

Question 15

Which of the following findings seems to support Hilde Bruch's view of the etiology of eating disorders?

Accepted Answer

Hilde Bruch emphasized the role of perfectionism and the pursuit of unrealistic goals in the development of eating disorders.

Question 16

Which form of therapy is emerging as an effective treatment for bulimia nervosa because patients continue to improve after the end of therapy?

Accepted Answer

Interpersonal therapy (IPT) has been shown to be effective for bulimia nervosa, with patients often continuing to improve after therapy ends. It focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and social functioning, which can contribute to long-term recovery.

Question 17

Efforts to understand the relationship between depression and eating disorders have focused on which of the following depressive symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Low self-esteem is a common feature in both depression and eating disorders, as individuals may experience negative thoughts and feelings about their self-worth and body image. Psychomotor retardation and sleep disturbances are specific symptoms of depression, while generalized anxiety is not necessarily a common feature in either depression or eating disorders.

Question 18

The most widely studied form of family therapy for eating disorders involves parents initially taking complete control over the child's eating. Age-appropriate autonomy is returned to the child as eating improves. This system is called the

Accepted Answer

The Maudsley method, also known as Family-Based Therapy (FBT), is a widely studied form of family therapy for eating disorders that involves parents initially taking complete control over the child's eating. As the child's eating improves, age-appropriate autonomy is gradually returned to the child.

Question 19

A medical technician looks up from the microscope and says to his supervisor, "I think we have a case of hyperlipogenesis here. " What would this information tell the physician about the patient whose tests were just analyzed?

Accepted Answer

Hyperlipogenesis refers to the excessive production and storage of fat in the body, often leading to obesity. Therefore, this information would tell the physician that the patient's body is storing an abnormally large amount of fat in fat cells. The other options are not related to hyperlipogenesis.

Question 20

An expert on eating disorders is giving a talk about the relationship between eating disorders and depression. Which of the following would be an appropriate title for this talk?

Accepted Answer

This title accurately reflects the two-way relationship between eating disorders and depression, as both can be both a cause and an effect of the other. It also suggests that the talk will cover potential treatment options for addressing both issues. The other options are either too narrow (A, D) or incorrect (C).

Quiz 10: Eating Disorders