Introduction
Eating disorders in adult women have increased significantly over the years. According to Brandsma (2007) eating disorders are likely to be higher in adult women that adult men. It is important to review the eating disorders in adult women in order to establish the most appropriate strategies for treatment. Thus, this paper discusses eating disorders in adult women and treatment alternatives to reverse the health care challenge, which is threatening the health of this group.
Types of adult women eating disorders
The main types of eating disorders in adult women include anorexia nervosa (lack of desire as a result of continuous subdued appetite), bulimia nervosa (a continuous sequence of binge eating with the intention of minimizing weight gain), and binge-eating disorder (unregulated binging over a prolonged period of time) (Boby Hub Research, 2012).
These disorders directly affect the health of the victims and may be characterized by unpredictable appetite, poor eating, and serious weight loss. Apparently, “eating disorders take a physical toll on the body, and the impact is more apparent with age” (Boby Hub Research, 2012, p. 2). For instance, frequent forceful vomiting in older women may lead to serious medical disaster “such as a stomach rupture or tear in the esophagus” (Boby Hub Research, 2012, p. 3).
Causes of adult women eating disorders
The most common causes of eating disorders in adult women include grief, divorce, increased aging awareness, and medical illnesses. In a separate research, Zerbe (2007) established that most of the eating problems among the adult women population are associated with different traumas such as sexual abuse, racism, poverty, acculturation, physical and emotional abuse, and heterosexism among others (Zerbe, 2007). Despite the real challenges as a result of eating disorders, many adult women keep them a secret to avoid the pressure as a result of gaining weight.
Appropriate intervention strategies
The intervention process in the treatment of any eating disorder begins with an extensive medical examination to ensure that the diagnosis conforms to the eating disorder condition. This is followed by the actual treatment methods such as psychotherapy, medication, nutritional rehabilitation, and hospitalization in extreme cases (Brandsma, 2007).
Under psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) may become useful in dispelling the fears a patient on nutrition and creating a positive pattern of thoughts on different food types. Nutritional rehabilitation is implemented by a diet expert to restore confidence and weight of the patient through specialized diet.
The third treatment alternative is medication, where correct dose of the Fluoxetine is prescribed to the patient. This medicine is effective in reducing binge eating. Hospitalization is the last resort in an extreme case of eating disorder. It is important to note that most of these treatments should be carried out concurrently to ensure that physical health and mental health of the patient is addressed appropriately (Zerbe, 2007).
Conclusion
Conclusively, eating disorder in adult women is currently a real health care concern. The main causes of eating disorders within this group are divorce, grief, increased aging awareness, and medical illnesses. Several treatment options are available for this disorder such as psychotherapy, medication, nutritional rehabilitation, and hospitalization. The article’s position on the cause of eating disorders among adult women is the need to survive traumas. Specifically, the article identifies these traumas affecting women and the need to cope with them through developing a predictable eating habit.
References
Boby Hub Research. (2012). Eating disorders in adult women. Harvard Mental Health Letter, 28(9), 1-3.
Brandsma, L. (2007). Eating Disorders across the Lifespan. Journal of Women & Aging, 19(1), 155–172.
Zerbe K. (2007). Eating Disorders in the 21st Century: Identification, Management, and Prevention in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology, 21(2), 331–343.