Psychology and Health Reflective Journal

This reflective journal assignment focuses on Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa, exploring the differences between these eating disorders. The author discusses the behavioral, psychological, and physical symptoms common to both, noting that they primarily affect females during their teenage years. The journal also examines the reasons why both disorders don't typically occur simultaneously, highlighting the contrasting behaviors of restricting food intake (Anorexia) versus cycles of binging and purging (Bulimia). The author concludes by reflecting on unanswered questions regarding the similarities in physical symptoms and treatment approaches for both conditions. The journal includes references to relevant research articles.

REFLECTIVE JOURNAL
(Psychology and Health)
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Table of Contents
Difference between Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa and why these have not occurred both at the
same time.........................................................................................................................................3
Learning from Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa conditions..............................................................3
REFERENCES.....................................................................................................................................7
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Difference between Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa and why these have not occurred both at the
same time
From the lecture, I have found that there is a difference between Anorexia and Bulimia
Nervosa. On the basis of the definition, I have learned that Anorexia occur due to eating disorder
because of fear of weight gain. But Bulimia Nervosa happens of overeating that followed by
purging (Marzola, Trunko and 2012). Before studying both diseases, I thought that they have taken
place in both male and female at any life stage and age. But, after studying these, I have determined
that Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa only takes place in female in early teen age and late teen years.
On this basis of this, I have analyzed that both disorders have same behavioural, psychological and
physical symptoms. In behavioural indications, there is an obsession with weight, food and an
image of thin body. Women give more focus on regular exercise to maintain body weight.
Depression and anxiety, low self esteem and body dysmorphic disorder are some psychological
signs. Along with this, I have also explored that the patients who are facing Anorexia and Bulimia
Nervosa, they have deal with some health issues which can be considered as a physical symptoms.
These signs are underweight, unhealthy figure, deterioration, absent of menstruation, feeling faint,
memory loss, physical weakness etc. On the other hand, just knowing the name of both disorder, I
have though that these are may be caused because of either family history or changes in biological
form of human body (Oberndorfer Frank and et.al., 2013). But after the studying these disease, I
have found that culture and stressful situation are also a reason of Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa.
Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa both have not occurred at the same time because Anorexia is
relating to skipping meals, adopting healthy restrictive and unhealthy diets; obsess over thinness
and food and presence of abnormal eating rituals and habits. While Bulimia occurs because of a
cycle of binging i.e. overeating, due to purging (Bailer, Frank and et.al., 2013).
Learning from Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa conditions
By studying both Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa diseases, the first question which still
remain same for me is physical symptoms of both have same. Second fact that is also not clear from
me is treatment. There is a no difference between the treatment of Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa
diseases.
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REFERENCES
Bailer, U. F., Frank, G. K. & et.al. (2013). Interaction between serotonin transporter and dopamine
D2/D3 receptor radioligand measures is associated with harm avoidant symptoms in
anorexia and bulimia nervosa. Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging. 211(2). 160-168.
Marzola, E., Trunko, M. E. & et.al. (2012). Anorexia and bulimia nervosa. Management of
treatment-resistant major psychiatric disorders. 197-224.
Oberndorfer, T. A., Frank, G. K. & et.al. (2013). Altered insula response to sweet taste processing
after recovery from anorexia and bulimia nervosa. American Journal of Psychiatry.
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