Explanations for anorexia nervosa

Outline one limitation of neural explanations for anorexia nervosa.

Zack has been diagnosed with an eating disorder. His parents tell him constantly how much they care about him and how they will always be together. Zack rarely goes out, except for going to school, and his mother watches him very closely. The family have a strict routine which Zack resents, but he does not complain or argue. Zack sometimes wishes he could have fun like other boys at school.

Discuss family systems theory as an explanation for anorexia nervosa. Refer to Zack in your answer.

Elliot is very underweight but believes that he is fatter than actors on TV. He thinks a lot about his looks, often checking himself in the mirror. At mealtimes he likes arranging and counting pieces of food on his plate. Elliot’s mother once had eating problems. She is extremely anxious about him. She watches him constantly and is always telling him what to do. His doctor has prescribed medication which seems to help with Elliot’s condition.

Discuss one or more explanations for anorexia nervosa. Refer to Elliot in your answer.

Which of the following is the best example of a cognitive distortion in anorexia nervosa?

Write the correct letter in your answer book.

A Believing that dieting allows you to be in control.

B Believing that you are bigger than you really are.

C Thinking that being thin will make you happy.

D Thinking that people will like you more if you are thinner.

Which of the following best describes enmeshment in family systems theory?

Write the correct letter in your answer book.

A Where an individual member is uncomfortable because they feel pressured by other members of the family.

B Where an individual member of the family feels extremely attached to other members of the family.

C Where an individual member of the family is overanxious about their family responsibilities.

D Where an individual member of the family lacks a sense of individuality and personal identity.

What terms are used by family systems theorists to describe A and B below?

A Being free to decide how to behave, and feeling in control of one’s own life.

B When a family is over-protective and distinctions between family members are blurred.

In your answer book, write the relevant term alongside each letter.

Evaluate one psychological explanation for anorexia nervosa.

Outline one or more biological explanation(s) for anorexia nervosa. Compare biological explanation(s) for anorexia nervosa with the family systems explanation for anorexia nervosa.

Identify and briefly outline one psychological explanation for anorexia nervosa.

Discuss one or more biological explanations for anorexia nervosa.

Mia has been diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. She describes her family background to her therapist:

‘Mum worries about me constantly and I worry about her. She’s always asking me if I’m OK. She spends all her time thinking about me and wants to know everything I do. She even listens in when I’m on the phone. We go shopping together and swap clothes and make-up. But, it has always been the same, and we never argue at our house.’

Describe the family systems theory explanation for anorexia nervosa and explain how Mia’s experiences can be linked to family systems theory.

Briefly discuss two limitations of the family systems theory explanation for anorexia nervosa.