MEDICAL CORNER …. What is a psychopath?

~~May 7, 2013~~

What is wrong with people nowadays?

Where is the humanity that is supposed to connect us? Where are we learning to be so callous about hurting other people without taking into account the feeling of others? Where are we learning to be so selfish, self-centered and inconsiderate of the feelings of those who may cross our path?

We all come from the same source. We all are created equal (or so they say). We live in society which proclaim the importance of basic human rights that are par of the course for all.

Where are we losing these concepts?

~~HOW TO IDENTIFY A PSYCHOPATH~~

The Hare Psychopathy Checklist was initially developed to assess the mental condition of people who commit crimes, and it is commonly used to diagnose people who may exhibit the traits and tendencies of a psychopath.

Most mental health professionals define a psychopath as a predator who takes advantage of others using charm, deceit, violence and other methods to get what they want. Identify a psychopath by using the Hare Psychopathy Checklist and trusting your own intuition.

“I’d like to repost a list of the symptoms of psychopathy, offered by two of the main experts on psychopathy: Hervey Cleckley (author of The Mask of Sanity) and Robert Hare (author of Without Conscience, Snakes in Suits and The Psychopathy Checklist). Obviously, their lists are very similar since Robert Hare built upon Hervey Cleckley’s ground-breaking research.

~~Hervey Cleckley’s List of Psychopathy Symptoms~~

1. Considerable superficial charm and average or above average intelligence.

2. Absence of delusions and other signs of irrational thinking.

3. Absence of anxiety or other “neurotic” symptoms. Considerable poise, calmness and verbal facility.

4. Unreliability, disregard for obligations, no sense of responsibility, in matters of little and great import.

5. Untruthfulness and insincerity.

6. Antisocial behavior which is inadequately motivated and poorly planned, seeming to stem from an inexplicable impulsiveness.

7. Inadequately motivated antisocial behavior.

8. Poor judgment and failure to learn from experience.

9. Pathological egocentricity. Total self-centeredness and an incapacity for real love and attachment.

10. General poverty of deep and lasting emotions.

11. Lack of any true insight; inability to see oneself as others do.

12. Ingratitude for any special considerations, kindness and trust.

13. Fantastic and objectionable behavior, after drinking and sometimes even when not drinking. Vulgarity, rudeness, quick mood shifts, pranks for facile entertainment.

14. No history of genuine suicide attempts.

15. An impersonal, trivial, and poorly integrated sex life.

16. Failure to have a life plan and to live in any ordered way  (unless it is for destructive purposes or a sham).

~~Robert Hare’s Checklist of Psychopathy Symptoms~~

1. GLIB AND SUPERFICIAL CHARM — the tendency to be smooth, engaging, charming, slick, and verbally facile. Psychopathic charm is not in the least shy, self-conscious, or afraid to say anything. A psychopath never gets tongue-tied. He can also be a great listener, to simulate empathy while zeroing in on his targets’ dreams and vulnerabilities, to be able to manipulate them better.

2. GRANDIOSE SELF-WORTH — a grossly inflated view of one’s abilities and self-worth, self-assured, opinionated, cocky, a braggart. Psychopaths are arrogant people who believe they are superior human beings.

3. NEED FOR STIMULATION or PRONENESS TO BOREDOM — an excessive need for novel, thrilling, and exciting stimulation; taking chances and doing things that are risky. Psychopaths often have a low self-discipline in carrying tasks through to completion because they get bored easily. They fail to work at the same job for any length of time, for example, or to finish tasks that they consider dull or routine.

4. PATHOLOGICAL LYING — can be moderate or high; in moderate form, they will be shrewd, crafty, cunning, sly, and clever; in extreme form, they will be deceptive, deceitful, underhanded, unscrupulous, manipulative and dishonest.

5. CUNNING AND MANIPULATIVENESS: the use of deceit and deception to cheat, con, or defraud others for personal gain; distinguished from Item #4 in the degree to which exploitation and callous ruthlessness is present, as reflected in a lack of concern for the feelings and suffering of one’s victims.

6. LACK OF REMORSE OR GUILT:  a lack of feelings or concern for the losses, pain, and suffering of victims; a tendency to be unconcerned, dispassionate, coldhearted and un-empathic. This item is usually demonstrated by a disdain for one’s victims.

7. SHALLOW AFFECT:  emotional poverty or a limited range or depth of feelings; interpersonal coldness in spite of signs of open gregariousness and superficial warmth.

8. CALLOUSNESS and LACK OF EMPATHY:  a lack of feelings toward people in general; cold, contemptuous, inconsiderate, and tactless.

9. PARASITIC LIFESTYLE: an intentional, manipulative, selfis, and exploitative financial dependence on others as reflected in a lack of motivation, low self-discipline and the inability to carry through one’s responsibilities.

10. POOR BEHAVIORAL CONTROLS:  expressions of irritability, annoyance, impatience, threats, aggression and verbal abuse; inadequate control of anger and temper; acting hastily.

11. PROMISCUOUS SEXUAL BEHAVIOR: a variety of brief, superficial relations, numerous affairs, and an indiscriminate selection of sexual partners; the maintenance of numerous, multiple relationships at the same time; a history of attempts to sexually coerce others into sexual activity (rape) or taking great pride at discussing sexual exploits and conquests.

12. EARLY BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS: a variety of behaviors prior to age 13, including lying, theft, cheating, vandalism, bullying, sexual activity, fire-setting, glue-sniffing, alcohol use and running away from home.

13. LACK OF REALISTIC, LONG-TERM GOALS: an inability or persistent failure to develop and execute long-term plans and goals; a nomadic existence, aimless, lacking direction in life.

14. IMPULSIVITY: the occurrence of behaviors that are unpremeditated and lack reflection or planning; inability to resist temptation, frustrations and momentary urges; a lack of deliberation without considering the consequences; foolhardy, rash, unpredictable, erratic and reckless.

15. IRRESPONSIBILITY: repeated failure to fulfill or honor obligations and commitments; such as not paying bills, defaulting on loans, performing sloppy work, being absent or late to work, failing to honor contractual agreements.

16. FAILURE TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR OWN ACTIONS: a failure to accept responsibility for one’s actions reflected in low conscientiousness, an absence of dutifulness, antagonistic manipulation, denial of responsibility, and an effort to manipulate others through this denial.

17. MANY SHORT-TERM RELATIONSHIPS: a lack of commitment to a long-term relationship reflected in inconsistent, undependable, and unreliable commitments in life, including in marital and familial bonds.

18. JUVENILE DELINQUENCY: behavior problems between the ages of 13-18; mostly behaviors that are crimes or clearly involve aspects of antagonism, exploitation, aggression, manipulation, or a callous, ruthless tough-mindedness.

19. REVOCATION OF CONDITION RELEASE: a revocation of probation or other conditional release due to technical violations, such as carelessness, low deliberation or failing to appear.

20. CRIMINAL VERSATILITY: a diversity of types of criminal offenses, regardless if the person has been arrested or convicted for them; taking great pride at getting away with crimes or wrongdoings.”

~~Full Read/Credit/Source~~

http://psychopathyawareness.wordpress.com/2011/10/03/the-list-of-psychopathy-symptoms/

~~SOURCES~~

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychopathy

http://crime.about.com/od/serial/a/psychopaths.htm

http://positivemed.com/2013/09/25/differences-psychopath-sociopath/

https://www.psychopathfree.com/showthread.php?347-46-traits-of-a-psychopath

The video that follows shows the effects sociopathic behavior in a couple, a romantic relationship. As I watched it, it brought to mind many other ways in which these actions rear their ugly head … in other circumstances that do not include romantic behavior.

~~Red Flags of Psychopaths, Sociopaths and Narcissistic Abuse~~

~~Published on Jul 13, 2013~~

Psychopath Free is the world’s safest and most popular forum for recovery from psychopath, sociopath and narcissist abuse & manipulation. Start your healing journey today and heal from these emotionally abusive relationships – be they romantic or just friendship.

We ALL are ONE!!

I do not own these images.

No intention of taking credit.

If anyone knows the owner of any, please advise and it will be corrected immediately.

HortyRex©

MEDICAL CORNER …. What are cataracts?

~~April 15, 2014~~

Cataracts are cloudy areas in the lens inside the eye – which is normally clear.

Cataracts can develop in one or both eyes. If they develop in both eyes, one will be more severely affected than the other. A normally clear lens allows light to pass through to the back of the eye, so that the patient can see well-defined images.

If a part of the lens becomes opaque light does not pass through easily and the patient’s vision becomes blurry – like looking through cloudy water or a fogged-up window. The more opaque (cloudier) the lens becomes, the worse the person’s vision will be.

~~There are two types of cataracts~~

Age related cataracts – they appear later in life; the most common form.

Congenital cataracts (childhood cataracts) – these may be present when the baby is born, or shortly after birth. Cataracts may also be diagnosed in older babies and children – these are sometimes referred to as developmental, infantile or juvenile cataracts. Researchers from the University Zurich were the first to identify the chromosomal location and exact molecular defect in the coding region of the gene responsible for a childhood cataract.

~~Source~~ 

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/157510.php

A cataract is a clouding of the lens inside the eye which leads to a decrease in vision. It is the most common cause of blindness and is conventionally treated with surgery. Visual loss occurs because opacification of the lens obstructs light from passing and being focused on to the retina at the back of the eye.

It is most commonly due to biological aging, but there are a wide variety of other causes. Over time, yellow-brown pigment is deposited within the lens and this, together with disruption of the normal architecture of the lens fibers, leads to reduced transmission of light, which in turn leads to visual problems.

Those with cataracts commonly experience difficulty in appreciating colors and changes in contrast, driving, reading, recognizing faces, and coping with glare from bright lights.

~~Signs and symptoms~~

The only way to know if you have cataracts for certain is when your ophthalmologist does a dilated eye exam. Get a baseline exam at age 40, when early signs of disease and changes in vision may start to occur. Your ophthalmologist will let you know how often you should return for follow-up exams. At any point, if you have symptoms or risks for eye disease, see your ophthalmologist.  Because your risk for cataracts and other eye diseases increases as you get older, starting at age 65 you should see your ophthalmologist every year.  A complete eye examination will rule out any other condition that may be causing blurred vision or eye problems.

Most age-related cataracts develop gradually. As a result, you may not immediately notice changes in your vision when cataracts first develop.

~~Symptoms~~

Painless clouded, blurry or dim vision;
Increasing difficulty seeing at night or in low light;
Sensitivity to light and glare, seeing halos around lights;
Colors seem faded or yellowed;
The need for brighter light for reading and other activities;
Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription; or
Double vision within one eye.

~~SOURCE~~

http://munstereyecare.com/our-practice/cataracts

~~Classification~~

~~Cross-sectional view, showing the position of the human lens~~

Cataracts may be partial or complete, stationary or progressive, or hard or soft. The main types of age-related cataracts are nuclear sclerosis, cortical, and posterior subcapsular.

Nuclear sclerosis is the most common type of cataract and involves the central or ‘nuclear’ part of the lens. Over time, this becomes hard or ‘sclerotic’ due to condensation of lens nucleus and deposition of brown pigment within the lens. In advanced stages it is called brunescent cataract. This type of cataract can present with a shift to nearsightedness and causes problems with distance vision while reading is less affected.

Cortical cataracts are due to opacification of the lens cortex (outer layer). They occur when changes in the water content of the periphery of the lens causes fissuring. When these cataracts are viewed through anophthalmoscope or other magnification system, the appearance is similar to white spokes of a wheel pointing inwards. Symptoms often include problems with glare and light scatter at night.

Posterior subcapsular cataracts are cloudy at back of the lens adjacent to the capsule (or bag) in which the lens sits. Because light becomes more focused toward the back of the lens, they can cause disproportionate symptoms for their size.

A mature cataract is one in which all of the lens protein is opaque while the immature cataract has some transparent protein. In the hypermature cataract, also known as Morgagnian cataract the lens proteins have become liquid.

Congenital cataract, which may be detected in adults, has a different classification and includes lamellar, polar, and sutural cataract.

~~SOURCES~~ 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cataract

~~Surgical MANAGEMENT~~

Cataract surgery, using a temporal approach phacoemulsification probe (in right hand) and “chopper” (in left hand) being done under operating microscope at a Navy medical center. Slit lamp photo of posterior capsular opacification visible a few months after implantation of intraocular lens in eye, seen on retroillumination

Cataract removal can be performed at any stage and no longer requires ripening of the lens. Surgery is usually ‘outpatient’ and performed using local anesthesia. Approximately 90% of patients can achieve a corrected vision of 20/40 or better after surgery.

Several recent evaluations found that surgery can only meet expectations when there is significant functional impairment from poor vision prior to surgery. Visual function estimates such as VF-14 have been found to give more realistic estimates than visual acuity testing alone. In some developed countries a trend to overuse cataract surgery has been noted which may lead to disappointing results.

~~SOURCE~~

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cataract

~~Cataract Surgery 3D Animation O. Findl, MD, Vienna~~

~~Uploaded on Jan 30, 2009~~

Cataract surgery 3D computer animation explained by Oliver Findl, MD.

~~Eye News TV-Watch live surgery using the laser cataract system~~

How does it work?

~~Uploaded on Jul 8, 2011~~

“Laser refractive cataract surgery is without a doubt the most technologically advanced option for cataract patients,” explains Dr. Eric Donnenfeld from Opthalmic Consultants of Long Island.

We ALL are connected through HUMANITY!! 

We ALL are ONE!! 

MEDICAL CORNER … Bottled water in your car!!

~~March 16, 2014~~

DANGER!!!!

LET EVERYONE WHO HAS A WIFE/GIRLFRIEND/ DAUGHTER/ FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES KNOW, PLEASE!

Bottled water in your car is very dangerous!
Some personalities who have battle with breast cancer associate bottled water with their medical condition. It has been identified as a common cause
of the high levels of dioxin in breast cancer tissue.

Some oncologists may recommend that women should not drink bottled
water that has been left in a car. The heat reacts with the chemicals
in the plastic of the bottle which releases dioxin into the water.
Dioxin is a toxin increasingly found in breast cancer tissue.

Please
be careful and do not drink bottled water that has been left in a car.

Pass this on to all the women in your life.

This information is the kind
we need to know that just might save us! Use a stainless steel canteen
or a glass bottle instead of plastic!

This information is also being circulated at Walter Reed Army Medical
Center.

No plastic containers in microwaves. No plastic water
bottles in freezers. No plastic wrap in microwaves.

GET: BPA FREE BOTTLES!!!

Some sources deny this claim. Some consider this urban legend.

The Internet is flooded with messages warning against freezing water in plastic bottles or cooking with plastics in the microwave oven. These messages, frequently titled “Johns Hopkins Cancer News” or “Johns Hopkins Cancer Update,” are falsely attributed to Johns Hopkins and they do not endorse their content.

Freezing water does not cause the release of chemicals from plastic bottles.

In general, it is best to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when using any plastic products. When cooking with plastics, only use those plastic containers, wraps, bags and utensils for their intended purposes.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) has some helpful guidelines for cooking with plastics in microwave ovens. 

Click here.

~~Related/Sources~~

https://americancancerfund.org/fact-or-fiction/cancer-and-water-bottles/?gclid=CKe23M3NmL0CFahlOgod7isADQ

http://urbanlegends.about.com/od/medical/a/bottled-water.htm

In my personal opinion and daily life, I take the route that seems safer to me. My job is to inform, not convince.

This post’s intention is to motivate the reader to research and find their own answers. 

The Dangerous Affects of BPA in Bottled Water

We ALL fight the fight!! 

We ALL are ONE!! 

MEDICAL CORNER ….. electronic gadgets for kids!

~~March 10, 2014~~

10 Reasons Why Handheld Devices Should Be Banned for Children Under the Age of 12

By: Cris Rowan, pediatric occupational therapist, biologist, speaker, author

(Information used as written. All credit goes to author.)

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Canadian Society of Pediatrics state infants aged 0-2 years should not have any exposure to technology, 3-5 years be restricted to one hour per day, and 6-18 years restricted to 2 hours per day (AAP 2001/13, CPS 2010). Children and youth use 4-5 times the recommended amount of technology, with serious and often life threatening consequences (Kaiser Foundation 2010, Active Healthy Kids Canada 2012). Handheld devices (cell phones, tablets, electronic games) have dramatically increased the accessibility and usage of technology, especially by very young children (Common Sense Media, 2013). As a pediatric occupational therapist, I’m calling on parents, teachers and governments to ban the use of all handheld devices for children under the age of 12 years. Following are 10 research-based reasons for this ban.

(Please visit zonein.ca to view the Zone’in Fact Sheet for referenced research.)

1. Rapid brain growth
Between 0 and 2 years, infant’s brains triple in size, and continue in a state of rapid development to 21 years of age (Christakis 2011). Early brain development is determined by environmental stimuli, or lack thereof. Stimulation to a developing brain caused by overexposure to technologies (cell phones, internet, iPads, TV), has been shown to be associated with executive functioning and attention deficit, cognitive delays, impaired learning, increased impulsivity and decreased ability to self-regulate, e.g. tantrums (Small 2008, Pagini 2010).

2. Delayed Development
Technology use restricts movement, which can result in delayed development. One in three children now enter school developmentally delayed, negatively impacting literacy and academic achievement (HELP EDI Maps 2013). Movement enhances attention and learning ability (Ratey 2008). Use of technology under the age of 12 years is detrimental to child development and learning (Rowan 2010).

3. Epidemic Obesity
TV and video game use correlates with increased obesity (Tremblay 2005). Children who are allowed a device in their bedrooms have 30% increased incidence of obesity (Feng 2011). One in four Canadian, and one in three U.S. children are obese (Tremblay 2011). 30% of children with obesity will develop diabetes, and obese individuals are at higher risk for early stroke and heart attack, gravely shortening life expectancy (Center for Disease Control and Prevention 2010). Largely due to obesity, 21st century children may be the first generation many of whom will not outlive their parents (Professor Andrew Prentice, BBC News 2002).

4. Sleep Deprivation
60% of parents do not supervise their child’s technology usage, and 75% of children are allowed technology in their bedrooms (Kaiser Foundation 2010). 75% of children aged 9 and 10 years are sleep deprived to the extent that their grades are detrimentally impacted (Boston College 2012).

5. Mental Illness 
Technology overuse is implicated as a causal factor in rising rates of child depression, anxiety, attachment disorder, attention deficit, autism, bipolar disorder, psychosis and problematic child behavior (Bristol University 2010, Mentzoni 2011, Shin 2011,Liberatore 2011, Robinson 2008). One in six Canadian children have a diagnosed mental illness, many of whom are on dangerous psychotropic medication (Waddell 2007).

6. Aggression 
Violent media content can cause child aggression (Anderson, 2007). Young children are increasingly exposed to rising incidence of physical and sexual violence in today’s media. “Grand Theft Auto V” portrays explicit sex, murder, rape, torture and mutilation, as do many movies and TV shows. The U.S. has categorized media violence as a Public Health Risk due to causal impact on child aggression (Huesmann 2007). Media reports increased use of restraints and seclusion rooms with children who exhibit uncontrolled aggression.

7. Digital dementia
High speed media content can contribute to attention deficit, as well as decreased concentration and memory, due to the brain pruning neuronal tracks to the frontal cortex (Christakis 2004, Small 2008). Children who can’t pay attention can’t learn.

8. Addictions
As parents attach more and more to technology, they are detaching from their children. In the absence of parental attachment, detached children can attach to devices, which can result in addiction (Rowan 2010). One in 11 children aged 8-18 years are addicted to technology (Gentile 2009).

9. Radiation emission
In May of 2011, the World Health Organization classified cell phones (and other wireless devices) as a category 2B risk (possible carcinogen) due to radiation emission (WHO 2011). James McNamee with Health Canada in October of 2011 issued a cautionary warning stating “Children are more sensitive to a variety of agents than adults as their brains and immune systems are still developing, so you can’t say the risk would be equal for a small adult as for a child.” (Globe and Mail 2011). In December, 2013 Dr. Anthony Miller from the University of Toronto’s School of Public Health recommend that based on new research, radio frequency exposure should be reclassified as a 2A (probable carcinogen), not a 2B (possible carcinogen). American Academy of Pediatrics requested review of EMF radiation emissions from technology devices, citing three reasons regarding impact on children (AAP 2013).

10. Unsustainable
The ways in which children are raised and educated with technology are no longer sustainable (Rowan 2010). Children are our future, but there is no future for children who overuse technology. A team-based approach is necessary and urgent in order to reduce the use of technology by children.

Please reference below slide shows onwww.zonein.ca under “videos” to share with others who are concerned about technology overuse by children.

Technology Use Guidelines for Children and Youth

~~Source~~http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cris-rowan/10-reasons-why-handheld-devices-should-be-banned_b_4899218.html

~~Technology has Negative Effects on Children~~

Children are the future!!

We ALL are ONE!! 

MEDICAL CORNER … Afflictions have hit the cartoon world!!

~~March 9, 2014~~

This world in which we live in has become such a race that even cartoons are starting to feel the pressure.

Medical conditions, emotional problems, adaptation and societal maladies have developed in this population. Or is it that the creators are using the cartoons as a means of expressing their issues?

Your guess is as good as any!

The Looney Tunes Show-Tasmanian Meltdown

Uploaded on Aug 19, 2011

I do not own this video
Cartoon Network owns this

We ALL are ONE!! 

MEDICAL CORNER …. “National Eating Disorders Awareness Week”

~~February 28, 2014~~

It’s National Eating Disorders Awareness Week and this amazing infographic is a great resource for raising awareness of how the unrealistic images we see in media and advertising can affect the self-esteem of girls and women. It’s filled with facts such as: “Ten years ago, plus-size models averaged between size 12 and 18. The majority of plus-size models on agency boards today are between size 6 and 14.”

Girls are inundated with visions of beauty in ads and other media that are unattainable and often photo-shopped. This awareness week offers an excellent opportunity to talk with the girls in your life about these types of media messages and body image-related issues and we’ve pulled together several resources to help.

For a wonderful guide to help girls understand how the images seen in such advertising are illusionary, we recommend “All Made Up: A Girl’s Guide to Seeing Through Celebrity Hype to Celebrate Real Beauty” for ages 10 to 14 at http://www.amightygirl.com/all-made-up

For books for parents that address body image issues, including the helpful guide “101 Ways to Help Your Daughter Love Her Body,” visit our “Body Image / Self-Esteem” parenting section at http://www.amightygirl.com/parenting/body-image-self-esteem

Full Credit/Source/Article: https://www.facebook.com/amightygirl

Eating disorders are conditions defined by abnormal eating habits that may involve either insufficient or excessive food intake to the detriment of an individual’s physical and mental health. Bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa are the most common specific forms of eating disorders.

Other types of eating disorders include binge eating disorder and eating disorder not otherwise specified. 

Bulimia nervosa, also called bulimia, is a psychological eating disorder that is characterized by episodes of binge eating (consuming a large quantity of food in one sitting) followed by inappropriate methods of weight control, such as vomiting, fasting, enemas, excessive use of laxatives and diuretics, or compulsive exercising.

~~Symptoms of bulimia may include~~

• Eating uncontrollably followed by purging
• Vomiting or abusing laxatives or diuretics in an attempt to lose weight
• Using the bathroom frequently after meals
• Excessive exercising
• Preoccupation with body weight
• Dental problems
• Sore throat
• Depression or mood swings
• Feeling out of control
• Swollen glands in neck and face
• Heartburn, indigestion, bloating
• Irregular periods
• Weakness, exhaustion, bloodshot eyes

~~COMPLICATIONS OF BULIMIA MAY INCLUDE~~

• Erosion of tooth enamel because of repeated exposure to acidic gastric contents
• Dental cavities
• Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold food
• Swelling and soreness in the salivary glands (from repeated vomiting)
• Stomach ulcers
• Ruptures of the stomach and esophagus
• Disruption in the normal bowel release function
• Dehydration
• Irregular heartbeat
• Heart attack (in severe cases)
• Lower libido (sex drive)
• Higher risk for suicidal behavior

 

 

Anorexia nervosa is a type of eating disorder. People who have anorexia have an intense fear of gaining weight. They severely limit the amount of food they eat and can become dangerously thin.

Anorexia affects both the body and the mind. It may start as dieting, but it gets out of control. You think about food, dieting, and weight all the time. You have a distorted body image. Other people say you are too thin, but when you look in the mirror, you see a fat person.

What are the symptoms?

People who have anorexia often strongly deny that they have a problem. They don’t see or believe that they do. It’s usually up to their loved ones to get help for them. If you are worried about someone, you can look for certain signs.

People who have anorexia:

• Weigh much less than is healthy or normal.
• Are very afraid of gaining weight.
• Refuse to stay at a normal weight.
• Think they are overweight even when they are very thin.

Their lives become focused on controlling their weight. They may:

• Obsess about food, weight, and dieting.
• Strictly limit how much they eat.
• Exercise a lot, even when they are sick.
• Vomit or use laxatives or water pills (diuretics) to avoid weight gain.

Binge eating disorder is a serious condition characterized by uncontrollable eating and resulting weight gain. People with binge eating disorder frequently eat large amounts of food (beyond the point of feeling full) while feeling a loss of control over their eating. Often, these habits are a way of coping with depression, stress, oranxiety. Although the bingeing behavior is similar to what occurs in bulimia nervosa, people with binge eating disorder do not engage in purging by vomiting or using laxatives.

What Are the Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder?

Most people overeat from time to time, and many people say they frequently eat more than they should. Eating large amounts of food, however, does not mean that a person has binge eating disorder. People with binge eating disorder have several of the following symptoms weekly for at least 3 months:

• Frequent episodes of eating what others would consider an abnormally large amount of food
• Frequent feelings of being unable to control what or how much is being eaten
• Eating much more rapidly than usual
• Eating until uncomfortably full
• Eating large amounts of food, even when not physically hungry
• Eating alone out of embarrassment at the quantity of food being eaten
• Feelings of disgust, depression, or guilt after overeating

People who have binge eating disorder also tend to have:

• Fluctuations in weight
• Feelings of low self-esteem
• Loss of sexual desire
• Frequent dieting

The precise cause of eating disorders is not entirely understood, but there is evidence that it may be linked to other medical conditions and situations. Cultural idealization of thinness and youthfulness have contributed to eating disorders affecting diverse populations.

  Some think that peer pressure and idealized body-types seen in the media are also a significant factor. Some research shows that for certain people there are genetic reasons why they may be prone to developing an eating disorder. 

People with eating disorders may have a dysfunctional hunger cognitive module which causes various feelings of distress to make them feel hungry.

While proper treatment can be highly effective for many suffering from specific types of eating disorders, the consequences of eating disorders can be severe, including death (whether from direct medical effects of disturbed eating habits or from co-morbid conditions such as suicidal thinking).

~~RELATED~~

http://www.activeminds.org/our-programming/awareness-campaigns/national-eating-disorders-awareness-week

http://nedawareness.org/

http://www.webmd.com/women/guide/mental-health-bulimia-nervosa?page=2&rdspk=active

http://www.anad.org/get-involved/2014-eating-disorders-awareness-week/

http://www.webmd.com/women/guide/mental-health-binge-eating-disorder

http://bishoptatro.wordpress.com/2014/02/28/eating-disorder-awareness/

The Reality of Eating Disorders

Published on Apr 30, 2013

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We ALL are ONE!!