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

Choice A rationale:

Stabilizing the patient's physical condition. This is the correct choice. In the treatment of anorexia nervosa, it is crucial to address the medical complications that arise from severe malnutrition and weight loss. Refeeding and restoring the patient's nutritional status are top priorities to prevent further health deterioration. This often requires a structured refeeding plan and medical monitoring to ensure gradual weight gain and avoid refeeding syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when nutrients are reintroduced too rapidly.

Choice B rationale:

Addressing the psychological aspects of the disorder. Addressing the psychological aspects of anorexia nervosa is indeed an essential component of treatment, but it usually comes after stabilizing the patient's physical condition. The distorted body image, fear of weight gain, and other psychological factors need to be addressed in therapy and counseling during the recovery process. However, attempting to address these psychological aspects before stabilizing the patient's physical health can be challenging and less effective.

Choice C rationale:

Preventing relapse and maintaining recovery. Preventing relapse and maintaining recovery are important treatment goals in the long-term management of anorexia nervosa. However, these goals typically come into play once the patient's physical condition has been stabilized and nutritional rehabilitation has been initiated. Long-term therapy, support groups, and follow-up care are crucial to prevent relapse and maintain progress.

Choice D rationale:

Providing ongoing follow-up care. Providing ongoing follow-up care is indeed a necessary aspect of treating anorexia nervosa. After the initial stabilization and intensive treatment phase, ongoing monitoring, therapy, and medical follow-up are vital to support the patient's sustained recovery. However, just offering ongoing follow-up care without addressing the immediate medical needs and nutritional rehabilitation would not be sufficient in treating the acute phase of anorexia nervosa.

Choice A rationale:

Altered activity of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine is a common neurobiological change associated with eating disorders. These neurotransmitters play key roles in mood regulation, reward pathways, and appetite control. Altered levels of these neurotransmitters can contribute to the development and maintenance of disordered eating behaviors.

Choice B rationale:

Altered structure and function of brain regions involved in processing hunger and satiety are commonly observed in individuals with eating disorders. Brain areas such as the hypothalamus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex, which are responsible for regulating appetite, emotions, and decision-making, can exhibit changes in their neural activity and connectivity due to the impact of prolonged malnutrition and distorted eating behaviors.

Choice C rationale:

Altered connectivity and communication between brain regions and networks is another neurobiological change seen in eating disorders. The brain operates through complex networks, and disruptions in the communication between different regions can lead to dysfunctional behaviors and cognitive processes related to eating and body image.

Choice D rationale:

This choice is correct. All of the aforementioned changes—altered neurotransmitter activity, changes in brain structure and function, and altered connectivity between brain regions—are commonly observed in individuals with eating disorders. These neurobiological alterations underscore the complex interplay between biological, psychological, and environmental factors in the development and progression of these disorders.