How effective is treating patients with medication to stop eating Research Paper

How effective is treating patients with medication to stop eating disorders - Research Paper Example The most  known  types of eating disorder are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. The binge eating disorder is the third  common  eating disorder (American Psychiatric Association 2005). Anorexia nervosa is a  condition  that causes patients to have a distorted  image  of oneself. The patients see themselves as overweight even when they are  thin. This causes one to starve as a means of controlling their weight. On the other hand, Bulimia nervosa involves a patient eating excessive quantities of food and  later  vomiting by using laxatives, enemas, diuretics, vomiting and exercising for fear of gaining weight. Lastly, binge eating disorder involves a patient suffering from uncontrolled eating (FYI, 2008). Media report that adolescents and young women account for 90% of eating disorder cases. However, older women and the  male  gender can also suffer from eating disorders. This  condition  is caused  by psychological factors.  These people suffer fr om low self-esteem, sense of self helplessness, and dissatisfaction with their looks.  According to the FYI, each of these disorders  is linked  to  certain  traits (2008). For example, anorexic patients tend to be perfectionists, and people with bulimia are usually impulsive. Research shows also a possibility of a genetic link to these disorders (FYI, 2008). Research  further  shows there are situations least likely to be treated, however, they do not heal naturally, and leaving them  untreated  could cause serious consequences (FYI, 2008)  .  The national institute of mental health estimates one out of ten anorexia cases results in death from starvation, suicide, or medical complications like heart or kidney. Eating disorders  express  certain physical disorders such as anaemia, palpitation, hair, and bone loss. These disorders also  exhibit  mental disorders like depression anxiety disorders and substance abuse. Most cases of eating disorders require treatment by a mental health care  specialist. Treatment in many cases does not  work  instantly  as it may be a long-term process. Standard treatments for eating disorders include medications, psychotherapy, nutrition therapy, supportive and adjunct interventions such as yoga, art, massage, and movement  therapy. We are, however,  interested  in medication and its effectiveness in treating the  disorder.  Many drugs available  target  the treatment of eating disorders.  Fluoxetine is one such drug that has effectively been used in the treatment of bulimia nervosa (National Eating Disorder Association, 2008). Medication used in the treatment of eating disorders usually aims at treating  serious  depressions, anxiety, or obsessive compulsive disorder that coexists with an eating disorder. Other drugs aim at making the, patient satisfied, thus preventing binge-eating. Some of the drugs used such as antidepressants alleviate  serious  depression, anxiet y. However, many  research  still needs to be carried out to  come  up with the effective forms of treatment. Anorexia nervosa requires a  range  of treatment for it to be treated. Research indicates that treatment is  highly  likely to be effective early in a disorder. According to the national institute of health and clinical excellence a combination of other forms of  therapy  and medication is the most effective way of treating eating disorder (Postpone, 2007). Specialists  recommend