(Question from external source) What is the main goal of treatment for eating disorders?

The correct answer is choice D: Both physical and psychological aspects.

Choice A rationale:

Focusing solely on the patient’s medical status would provide a limited view of the patient’s overall health. Eating disorders are complex and involve more than just medical issues; they also include psychological, social, and sometimes spiritual dimensions.

Choice B rationale:

While nutritional needs are a critical component of care for patients with eating disorders, they are not the only aspect that should be assessed. Holistic care requires attention to all facets of a person’s well-being, including their mental and social health.

Choice C rationale:

Mental status is indeed important in the assessment of a patient with an eating disorder, but it should not be the sole focus. A comprehensive approach that includes both mental and physical health is necessary for holistic care.

Choice D rationale:

This is the correct choice because holistic care involves assessing and addressing both physical and psychological aspects of a patient’s health. Eating disorders affect a person’s body and mind, and both areas must be cared for in a comprehensive assessment.

Choice E rationale:

Social interactions play a role in the well-being of a patient with an eating disorder, but assessing only this aspect would miss other critical areas such as medical, nutritional, and mental health needs. Holistic care encompasses all these areas to provide complete care.

Altered levels of leptin and ghrelin.

Choice A rationale:

Increased levels of cortisol and thyroid hormones are not commonly associated with eating disorders. Cortisol is a stress hormone, and while stress can play a role in eating behaviors, it is not a consistent physiological change across all eating disorders. Thyroid hormones play a role in metabolism, but their direct link to eating disorders is limited.

Choice B rationale:

Decreased levels of growth hormone and insulin are not commonly associated with eating disorders. Growth hormone and insulin are primarily involved in growth regulation and glucose metabolism, respectively, and their alterations are not central to the core characteristics of eating disorders.

Choice C rationale:

Altered levels of leptin and ghrelin are commonly associated with eating disorders. Leptin is a hormone that regulates appetite and signals satiety. Individuals with eating disorders may have disrupted leptin levels, contributing to disturbances in appetite and hunger regulation. Ghrelin is a hormone that stimulates appetite, and its dysregulation can also play a role in eating disorder behaviors.

Choice D rationale:

Elevated levels of sex hormones and growth hormone are not consistently associated with eating disorders. While some hormonal changes can occur due to malnutrition and extreme weight loss, they are not universally seen across all individuals with eating disorders. The hormonal changes seen in eating disorders are more often related to appetite regulation and metabolism.