(Question from external source) Which of the following is a common pathophysiological change associated with eating disorders?

Choice A rationale:

Increased levels of cortisol and thyroid hormones. While stress-induced changes in cortisol levels can be seen in individuals with eating disorders, they are not the primary pathophysiological changes associated with these disorders. Cortisol plays a role in the body's response to stress and can contribute to weight gain, but altered levels of other hormones have a more direct impact on eating behaviors in individuals with eating disorders.

Choice B rationale:

Decreased levels of growth hormone and insulin. Growth hormone and insulin do play a role in metabolism and growth, but their levels are not commonly altered in eating disorders in the same way that hormones like leptin and ghrelin are. Altered levels of growth hormone and insulin can lead to metabolic disturbances, but these are not the hallmark changes seen in individuals with eating disorders.

Choice C rationale:

Altered levels of leptin and ghrelin. This is the correct choice. Leptin and ghrelin are two hormones that play a significant role in regulating hunger and satiety. Leptin, produced by adipose tissue, signals to the brain when energy stores are sufficient, thereby reducing appetite. Ghrelin, produced by the stomach, stimulates appetite and promotes food intake. In individuals with eating disorders, these hormones can become dysregulated, leading to disrupted hunger and fullness cues, and contributing to the development and maintenance of the disorder.

Choice D rationale:

Elevated levels of sex hormones and growth hormone. Elevated levels of sex hormones are not a primary pathophysiological change associated with eating disorders. Growth hormone, while important for growth and metabolism, is not a central player in the hormonal changes that drive eating disorder behaviors. Leptin and ghrelin are more directly involved in the dysregulation of eating behaviors seen in these disorders.

Choice A rationale:

The main goal of treatment for eating disorders is to correct nutritional deficiencies and address medical complications. Many individuals with eating disorders suffer from severe malnutrition due to inadequate food intake, and this can lead to a range of medical issues such as electrolyte imbalances, cardiac problems, and organ dysfunction. Prioritizing the correction of these physical health issues is essential to ensure the patient's immediate well-being and prevent further deterioration.

Choice B rationale:

While restoring normal eating patterns is an important aspect of treating eating disorders, it is not the main goal. Normalizing eating habits and reestablishing a healthy relationship with food are crucial steps in the recovery process, but these efforts often come after addressing the immediate medical concerns.

Choice C rationale:

Addressing underlying psychological issues is an integral part of eating disorder treatment, but it is not the main goal as specified in the question. Psychological issues like distorted body image, low self-esteem, and anxiety play a significant role in perpetuating eating disorders. Therapeutic interventions and counseling are employed to tackle these underlying issues, but they are typically part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes medical stabilization.

Choice D rationale:

Preventing relapse is an important long-term goal in eating disorder treatment, but it is not the primary focus when considering the immediate and acute phase of treatment. Relapse prevention strategies become more prominent as patients progress in their recovery journey and work towards maintaining their newfound health and well-being.