Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia
Corso di laurea in infermieristica - Sede di Modena
| Thesis Title | The clinical case of an affected patient with a behavioral eating disorder: assistence, diagnostic and therapeutic problems |
|---|---|
| Name | Lancellotti Alessandro |
| Supervisor(s) | Di Lorenzo Rosaria |
| Academic Year | 2012/13 |
| Thesis type | Non research thesis |
Abstract
The feeding and eating disorders (FED) include Anorexia Nervosa (AN) and Bulimia Nervosa (BN): AN is characterized by a significant body weight reduction (BMI ≤ 17 kg/m2) obtained through the restriction of energy intake due to intensive fear of gaining weight, which is related to the disturbance of body shape self-evaluation; BN is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by inappropriate compensatory behaviours, but not by significant body weight reduction (DSM-V).
We analyze a severe and complex case of male eating disorders, through the presentation of his clinical history, the clinical interviews with patient and the nursing care plans scheduled.
The anamnestic characteristcs of our patient are significative for the development of FED: his parents divorced when he was child and the paternal figure is lacking; the patient performed sports at high level when he was adolescent, he has taken care of his own body since he was a child and, furthermore, he focused his studies on the body care; he did not have any important relationships with another person. His symptoms (eating restriction, vomiting, binging and body iperactivity) are extreme but absolutly specific FED symtoms. As in other male patients with BED, the alterated self-evaluation of his body shape is related to the need of obtaining an athletic powerful body and can represent an uncertein sexual identity.
Also the therapeutic and care issues of this case are extreme: during his anorexic phase the patient did not consult any specialist and he was examined for BED only after his spontaneous femoral fracture, as literature reported in severe cases; only after the bulimic evolution of his BED disorder, he asked to be assisted by a specialist due to his depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts.
This case shows in a paradigmatic way the difficulties both to keep a regular therapeutic setting and to adapt it in a flexible way according to the changable and multiform needs of patient.