Eating Disorders: Types, Causes, and Treatment

Question 1

Eating disorders frequently coexist with other mental health conditions. Which of the following accurately describes comorbidity patterns in eating disorders?

Accepted Answer

Eating disorders commonly occur alongside mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders.

Answer

Eating disorders are usually the primary diagnosis, with other mental health conditions developing as a result.

Answer

Comorbid mental health conditions have no significant impact on the diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders.

Answer

Eating disorders never co-occur with other mental health conditions.

Question 2

Which treatment approach for eating disorders is backed by the strongest scientific evidence?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Answer

Family therapy

Answer

Medication alone

Question 3

How do societal pressures and media representations of body ideals contribute to the development and persistence of eating disorders?

Accepted Answer

Sociocultural factors can contribute to the development and perpetuation of eating disorders.

Answer

Sociocultural factors directly cause eating disorders.

Answer

Sociocultural factors have no significant impact on eating disorders.

Answer

Eating disorders are solely caused by genetic factors.

Question 4

Identify the two primary types of binge-eating disorder, outlining their distinct features and treatment approaches.

Accepted Answer

Type 1: Characterized by repeated binge-eating episodes without purging behaviors.

Accepted Answer

Type 2: Characterized by repeated binge-eating episodes followed by purging behaviors.

Answer

Type 3: Characterized by infrequent binge-eating episodes.

Answer

Type 4: Characterized by binge-eating episodes followed by excessive exercise.

Question 5

Which of the following is a key diagnostic criterion for anorexia nervosa?

Accepted Answer

A. BMI less than 17.5 and intense fear of weight gain

Answer

B. Refusal to maintain a healthy weight, but no fear of weight gain

Answer

C. Binge-eating episodes and compensatory behaviors

Answer

D. Preoccupation with food and no body image disturbance

Question 6

Can online therapy be an effective treatment option for people with eating disorders?

Accepted Answer

Online therapy can be helpful for people with eating disorders who have trouble getting to in-person therapy.

Answer

Online therapy is always better than in-person therapy for eating disorders.

Answer

Online therapy is not effective for treating eating disorders.

Answer

There is not enough research to say whether online therapy is effective for eating disorders.

Question 7

How do self-compassion and body acceptance contribute to successful recovery from eating disorders?

Accepted Answer

Empower individuals to challenge negative body image and disordered eating thoughts.

Accepted Answer

Enhance motivation for recovery by fostering a sense of self-worth.

Answer

Are primarily relevant during the early stages of recovery.

Answer

Solely depend on the individual's own efforts in recovery.

Question 8

How do genetics and epigenetics interact to influence the risk and expression of eating disorders?

Accepted Answer

Epigenetics, influenced by environmental factors, can alter gene expression and contribute to eating disorder development.

Answer

Genetics solely determine the development of eating disorders, with no influence from epigenetics.

Answer

Genetics and epigenetics have a one-way relationship, with genetics influencing epigenetic changes only.

Question 9

Around what age does anorexia nervosa typically first develop?

Accepted Answer

During adolescence

Answer

In early adulthood

Answer

In middle adulthood

Answer

In late adulthood

Question 10

How are the purging and non-purging subtypes of bulimia nervosa differentiated?

Accepted Answer

Purging involves self-induced vomiting or misuse of laxatives, while non-purging involves excessive exercise.

Answer

Non-purging involves self-induced vomiting or misuse of laxatives, while purging involves excessive exercise.

Answer

There is no distinction between the purging and non-purging subtypes of bulimia nervosa.

Answer

Purging involves excessive exercise, while non-purging involves self-induced vomiting or misuse of laxatives.

Question 11

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a commonly used treatment approach for eating disorders because it:

Accepted Answer

Helps individuals change maladaptive thoughts and behaviors

Answer

Involves medication

Answer

Focuses solely on nutritional rehabilitation

Answer

Primarily emphasizes family therapy

Question 12

Which of the following is a primary symptom of anorexia nervosa?

Accepted Answer

Significant weight loss

Answer

Excessive food intake

Answer

Purging behaviors

Answer

Binge eating episodes

Question 13

What is the characteristic feature that distinguishes bulimia nervosa from other eating disorders?

Accepted Answer

Repeated cycles of binge eating and purging

Answer

Restriction of food intake

Answer

Excessive exercise

Answer

Body image disturbance

Question 14

Is the statement 'Eating disorders are exclusively a concern for females' accurate?

Accepted Answer

No

Answer

Yes

Question 15

Bulimia nervosa is primarily characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Binge eating followed by purging behaviors

Answer

Self-starvation and dehydration

Answer

Restrictive food intake and excessive exercise

Answer

Binge eating without purging

Question 16

Which type of eating disorder is defined by recurrent episodes of binge eating without purging?

Accepted Answer

Binge-eating disorder

Answer

Anorexia nervosa

Answer

Bulimia nervosa

Answer

Orthorexia nervosa

Question 17

The standard first-line treatment for anorexia nervosa typically involves:

Accepted Answer

Hospitalization or residential care

Answer

Medication management

Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Answer

Nutritional counseling

Question 18

Which of the following medications is commonly used to treat bulimia nervosa?

Accepted Answer

Fluoxetine (Prozac)

Answer

Lithium

Answer

Valproic acid

Answer

Risperidone

Question 19

How do self-compassion and body acceptance support recovery from eating disorders?

Accepted Answer

They promote emotional healing and a healthy body image.

Answer

They play no role in recovery.

Answer

They are the only factors needed for recovery.

Question 20

Which neurotransmitter is released during binge eating episodes and is associated with feelings of pleasure?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Endorphins

Answer

GABA

Question 21

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of binge-eating disorder?

Accepted Answer

Recognizing that binge eating is harmful

Answer

Consuming abnormally large amounts of food in a short period

Answer

Feeling out of control during binge eating episodes

Answer

Engaging in compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain

Question 22

Distinguish between anorexia nervosa restrictive type and the binge-eating/purging type.

Accepted Answer

Restrictive type involves severe food restriction, while binge-eating/purging type involves binge eating and purging behaviors.

Answer

Binge-eating/purging type involves severe food restriction, while restrictive type involves binge eating and purging behaviors.

Answer

There is no difference between the subtypes.

Answer

Restrictive type is more common in women, while binge-eating/purging type is more common in men.

Question 23

Describe the typical diagnostic process for anorexia nervosa.

Accepted Answer

Both a physical examination and psychiatric evaluation.

Answer

Assessment through physical examination and blood tests.

Answer

Psychiatric evaluation to assess mental health and eating behaviors.

Answer

Self-reported symptoms through questionnaires or interviews.

Question 24

Identify the challenges faced by individuals from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds in accessing and benefiting from eating disorder treatment.

Accepted Answer

Cultural norms and beliefs shape body image and eating habits, posing unique challenges for treatment access and effectiveness.

Accepted Answer

Financial constraints, lack of insurance, and limited services in underserved communities hinder treatment access for individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

Accepted Answer

Treatment programs often fail to cater to the specific needs of individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Answer

Eating disorder prevalence varies across cultural and socioeconomic groups.

Question 25

How does the media influence body ideals and contribute to the development and maintenance of eating disorders?

Accepted Answer

The media can both reinforce and challenge body ideals, impacting the development and maintenance of eating disorders.

Answer

The media solely promotes unrealistic body ideals, leading to body dissatisfaction and eating disorders.

Answer

The media's impact on body image and eating disorders is only significant for individuals with low self-esteem.

Answer

The media has no role in shaping body ideals or influencing the development of eating disorders.

Question 26

What is a key symptom of anorexia nervosa?

Accepted Answer

Severe weight loss

Answer

Vomiting after eating

Answer

Overeating

Question 27

What is the key diagnostic criterion that sets anorexia nervosa apart from other eating disorders?

Accepted Answer

Severe restriction of food intake compared to nutritional needs

Answer

Repeated binge-eating episodes followed by purging behaviors

Answer

Excessive concern about gaining weight or becoming fat

Answer

Intense fear of weight gain

Question 28

Which symptom is characteristic of anorexia nervosa?

Accepted Answer

Extreme weight loss

Answer

Binge eating

Answer

Purging

Answer

Muscle weakness

Question 29

Which long-term health issue is associated with binge-eating disorder?

Accepted Answer

Cardiovascular disease

Answer

Osteoporosis

Answer

Kidney failure

Answer

Hypothermia

Question 30

Which neurotransmitter system is involved in the reward pathway linked to binge eating?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

GABA

Question 31

The initial step in treating eating disorders is typically:

Accepted Answer

Nutritional rehabilitation

Answer

Psychotherapy

Answer

Medication

Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy

Question 32

Which treatment approach is effective for bulimia nervosa?

Accepted Answer

Dialectical behavior therapy

Answer

Antidepressants

Answer

Mood stabilizers

Answer

Vagal nerve stimulation

Question 33

Which of the following is a cardinal symptom of anorexia nervosa?

Accepted Answer

Intense dread of gaining weight

Answer

Excessive weight gain

Answer

Compulsive overeating followed by purging

Answer

Frequent consumption of large quantities of food

Question 34

Identify a typical behavior associated with bulimia nervosa.

Accepted Answer

Purging after consuming large amounts of food

Answer

Extreme dietary restriction

Answer

Excessive physical activity to burn calories

Answer

Refusal to eat in social situations

Question 35

Which of the following is NOT a potential risk factor for developing an eating disorder?

Accepted Answer

Access to a balanced diet and a supportive environment

Answer

Genetic predisposition

Answer

Perfectionistic tendencies and low self-esteem

Answer

History of physical or sexual trauma

Question 36

What is the main objective of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in the treatment of eating disorders?

Accepted Answer

To challenge and modify distorted thoughts and behaviors

Answer

To promote weight gain and restore physical health

Answer

To provide dietary counseling and education

Answer

To administer medication to regulate mood and appetite

Question 37

What is a key characteristic of atypical anorexia nervosa?

Accepted Answer

Failure to achieve full weight loss

Answer

Significant weight loss below the normal range

Answer

Intense fear of gaining weight

Answer

Amenorrhea (loss of menstrual cycle)

Question 38

In the development and persistence of eating disorders, how do biological and psychological factors interact?

Accepted Answer

Biological and psychological factors interact in a complex way to both initiate and maintain eating disorders.

Answer

Biological factors alone, such as genetics and neurotransmitter imbalances, cause eating disorders.

Answer

Eating disorders are primarily caused by psychological factors, such as low self-esteem and body image issues.

Answer

Societal pressures and cultural norms are the sole causes of eating disorders.

Question 39

How can understanding the neurobiology of eating disorders improve treatment strategies?

Accepted Answer

Neurobiological interventions can enhance treatment effectiveness by complementing traditional therapies.

Answer

Treatment should solely focus on managing symptoms, disregarding neurobiological factors.

Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is the only effective treatment approach for eating disorders.

Question 40

Bulimia nervosa is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Repeated episodes of binge eating followed by purging behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting or excessive exercise

Answer

Severely restricting food intake

Answer

Excessive exercise

Answer

Body image disturbance

Question 41

Which hormone plays a crucial role in regulating appetite and weight?

Accepted Answer

Leptin

Answer

Estrogen

Answer

Thyroid hormone

Answer

Growth hormone

Question 42

In family-based therapy for anorexia nervosa, which principle is central to the approach?

Accepted Answer

Recognition of parental involvement as essential

Answer

Focus on individual psychological factors

Answer

Exclusive use of cognitive-behavioral therapy

Question 43

In the context of the stress-illness relationship, which physiological system is the primary coordinator of the body's response to stress?

Accepted Answer

Hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis

Answer

Sympathetic nervous system

Answer

Parasympathetic nervous system

Question 44

Which of the following is not a diagnostic criterion for anorexia nervosa?

Accepted Answer

Excessive exercise

Answer

Significant unintentional weight loss

Answer

Intense fear of weight gain

Answer

Amenorrhea in women

Question 45

Which subtype of anorexia nervosa involves both restriction and binge-eating/purging behaviors?

Accepted Answer

Binge-eating/purging type

Answer

Restricting type

Answer

Atypical type

Answer

Compulsive type

Question 46

Recent research suggests that changes in brain chemistry may contribute to the development of anorexia nervosa. Which specific neurotransmitter pathway has been identified as a potential factor?

Accepted Answer

Disrupted dopamine signaling

Answer

Elevated serotonin levels

Answer

Reduced activity of GABA

Answer

Increased activity of the amygdala

Question 47

What is a limitation of using body mass index (BMI) as a diagnostic criterion for eating disorders?

Accepted Answer

Cultural diversity can affect BMI accuracy.

Answer

BMI accurately measures body fat percentage.

Answer

BMI is the only diagnostic criterion for eating disorders.

Answer

BMI can diagnose all types of eating disorders.

Question 48

What are the four key principles of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) used to help individuals with eating disorders manage their emotions and develop healthier coping strategies?

Accepted Answer

Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Interpersonal Effectiveness, and Emotion Regulation

Answer

Cognitive Restructuring, Exposure and Response Prevention, Motivational Interviewing

Question 49

How can social media and body image filters negatively impact body image and eating habits?

Accepted Answer

They can contribute to body dissatisfaction and disordered eating.

Answer

They can increase body satisfaction.

Answer

They can promote awareness of healthy eating.

Answer

They can encourage body acceptance and diversity.

Question 50

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic symptom of anorexia nervosa?

Accepted Answer

Binge eating episodes

Answer

Intense fear of gaining weight

Answer

Distorted body image

Answer

Extreme weight loss

Question 51

Which of the following behaviors is a hallmark of bulimia nervosa?

Accepted Answer

Binge eating followed by purging

Answer

Restricting food intake

Answer

Rapid weight gain

Answer

Excessive exercise

Question 52

Which type of eating disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of uncontrolled overeating without purging?

Accepted Answer

Binge-eating disorder

Answer

Anorexia nervosa

Answer

Bulimia nervosa

Answer

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder

Question 53

Which of the following statements about eating disorders is accurate?

Accepted Answer

Eating disorders can be effectively treated.

Answer

Eating disorders are primarily a matter of willpower.

Answer

Eating disorders are a choice.

Answer

People with eating disorders are always underweight.

Question 54

Which of the following factors is NOT considered a potential contributing factor to the development of eating disorders?

Accepted Answer

Positive body image

Answer

Cultural pressures emphasizing thinness

Answer

Mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression

Answer

Exposure to traumatic events

Question 55

Which of the following is a recognized risk factor for developing an eating disorder?

Accepted Answer

Low self-esteem

Answer

Strong social support network

Answer

High academic achievement

Answer

Exceptional athletic ability

Question 56

What is the fundamental difference between anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa?

Accepted Answer

Anorexia nervosa is characterized by severe food restriction, while bulimia nervosa involves recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors like purging.

Answer

Anorexia nervosa primarily affects males, whereas bulimia nervosa is more common in females.

Answer

Anorexia nervosa has a lower mortality rate compared to bulimia nervosa.

Question 57

What is the overarching goal of treatment for eating disorders?

Accepted Answer

To restore a healthy relationship with food and body, promoting overall well-being

Answer

To eliminate all negative thoughts or feelings about food

Answer

To punish the individual for their disordered eating behaviors

Question 58

Which of the following is considered a protective factor against the development of eating disorders?

Accepted Answer

Positive body image and acceptance

Answer

Perfectionistic tendencies

Answer

Preoccupation with thinness

Answer

History of childhood trauma

Question 59

In Western culture, which societal ideal of beauty has been linked to the rise of eating disorders?

Accepted Answer

The idealization of thinness as a measure of attractiveness and worth

Answer

The appreciation of diverse body shapes and sizes

Answer

The promotion of healthy eating habits and body positivity

Answer

The emphasis on muscularity and physical strength

Question 60

Which treatment approach is considered first-line for binge-eating disorder?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Answer

Surgery as the primary intervention

Answer

Medication as the sole treatment

Answer

Long-term hospitalization

Question 61

Which of the following is a common medical complication associated with eating disorders?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac arrhythmias due to electrolyte imbalances

Answer

Diabetes only

Answer

Osteoporosis exclusively

Answer

Stroke as the sole medical risk

Question 62

What is the main distinction between anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa?

Accepted Answer

Anorexia involves severe food restriction and weight loss, while bulimia involves cycles of binge eating and purging.

Answer

Anorexia has a lower mortality rate than bulimia.

Answer

Anorexia is more common in males, while bulimia is more common in females.

Question 63

How can culture influence the development of eating disorders?

Accepted Answer

Cultural ideals of beauty and thinness can shape body image and eating habits.

Answer

Eating disorders solely occur in Western cultures.

Answer

Culture has no impact on eating disorders.

Question 64

Which of the following is a protective factor against developing eating disorders?

Accepted Answer

Positive body image and self-acceptance

Answer

History of trauma

Answer

Perfectionism and high self-criticism

Answer

Low self-esteem