Lesson 8: Eating and Sleep -Wake Disorders

Attention

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this lesson's material, students will be able to:

  • Accurately diagnose a case utilizing the diagnostic criteria.
  • Discuss the influence of culture and advertising as it relates to eating disorders in the Western world.
  • Evaluate personal sleep habits.

Teaching

Chapter 8-Eating and Sleep-Wake Disorders

Eating and Resting

We have all probably heard someone say how important it is to "eat right" and "get plenty of rest"...but what if these critical elements of our survival are not adequately cared for in our lives! These disorders put us at risk on the most severe way.

Eating Disorders

Does this sound familiar? Upon finishing your meal at a restaurant, the server tempts you with dessert by running down a verbal list of all the options available that day. As he mentions double-chocolate cheesecake you start to salivate and think, “Geez, I really want a piece of that cheesecake. Cheese is healthy and contains milk doesn’t it? I won’t eat the whole thing. I will split it with someone at the table. I can always burn it off with a couple of extra minutes on the treadmill. I hardly ever order dessert. I could always ask him to hold the whipped cream. Oh, I guess I will be good and skip it”

When did food become bad? Random thoughts about dessert such as this are part of the life for many Americans. What and how much we eat seem to be a national obsession. I defy you to watch television for one day and not see something related to healthy eating, dieting, weight loss or the treatment of obesity. Is Obesity an epidemic? Are two-thirds of Americans really that much overweight? Who decides what weight is healthy? When does concern over weight and one’s level of food intake become a disorder? How much do our thoughts about food and our bodies impact our overall emotional well-being? Why do some people seem so dissatisfied with how they look? Why do some people resort to extreme types of behavior to control their weight? How do you help someone who is extreme?

Questions such as these will be addressed in this chapter. My hope is that you take the time to really look at the diagnostic criteria for the various eating disorders and focus on who is at risk. Critical thought about how these disorders will include the validity of the diagnostic criteria, the level of differentiation between the disorders and the treatment outcomes.

Types of Eating Disorders

  • Bulimia Nervosa - Binge eating and purging
  • Anorexia Nervosa - Eats nothing beyond a minimal amount of food.
  • Obesity - while not considered an official disorder in the DSM, it is a public health issue.

Control

You might notice that the term "control" comes up a lot within any discussion related to eating disorders. Control over eating, control over weight, or lack of control in some circumstances....a basic component of these disorders is related to perceptions of control and an intense sense of anxiety over losing control.

People with eating disorders often have other associated psychiatric problems such as anxiety and mood disorders.

Cultural Consideration

Read the section on the cultural considreations related to eating disorders ("Cross-Cultural Considerations).

One of the things to notice in our own culture is the incidence of advertising and the unrealistic (and often dangerous) portrayal of women in these ads. While I'm sure the advertisers are not meaning to promote eating disorders, they are certainly sending messages that a very thin body is the only type of body that is accepted as "beautiful."

Sleep Wake Disorders

For many of us there is noting quite like a good night's sleep. But some people have problems getting this rest that their bodies need. Take a look at all the different sleep disorders listed in the textbook. Have you ever experienced anything like any of these?

Consider the list of "Good Sleeping Habits" listed in your book. How many of you violate these?

CLASS ACTIVITIES

Lesson 8 Assignment - Case Study

Open the Case Study labeled “Michael.” You have a case and a series of questions to answer.

Click here to download the Case Study

Lesson 8 Discussion A

For this discussion I would like you to find an ad online or upload an image that you feel may send the signal to a person that having the "perfect body" or "perfect weight" is achievable. Discuss how our culture supports the goals of those with eating disorders.

Lesson 8 Discussion B

Consdier the "Good Sleep Habits" listed in the textbook. Share with each other your own struggles (or lack of struggle) with sleep. Do you feel these suggestions for good sleep helpful?