Distorted Body Image and Mental Pain in Anorexia Nervosa

Abstract

(1) Background: Body image is being defined as the picture of our own body in our mind with its size and shape, and with a perceptive and attitudinal evaluation of this body. It appears to be a complex clinical construct predisposing an individual to developing and maintaining anorexia nervosa (AN), as well as having considerable impact on prolonging the duration of this illness and its relapse risk. The aim of the research work was to assess whether the symptomatology of eating disorders, level of depression, and mental pain are associated with body image, and examine the influence of a distorted body image as well as eating disorders and depression symptoms on mental pain in AN; (2) Methods: A total of 36 women diagnosed with AN and 69 healthy controls (HC) participated in this study. All participants completed a battery of the following scales: EAT-26, BSQ-34, BIDQ, BDD-YBOCS, CESDR, and the Mental Pain Scale; (3) Results: Results show statistically significantly greater body image disturbances and higher level of depression and mental pain intensity in the AN compared to the HC group. Regression analysis indicates a greater impact of distorted body image, eating disorders, and depression symptoms on mental pain in AN; (4) Conclusions: As assumed, distorted body image and mental pain are central components of AN that should be especially emphasized in the therapeutical process of treating AN. Future research should focus on the etiopathogenesis of distorted body image in relation to the chronicity of mental pain and depression in AN, and address these outcomes in clinical practice to minimize suicide risk in this high-risk group of patients.

The Impact of Anorexia Nervosa and the Basis for Non-Pharmacological Interventions

“…Furthermore, previous authors suggested that adolescents with better parent-adolescent relationships presented a lower probability of suffering from body dissatisfaction [47]. Body disappointment is a complex risk factor which may predispose to anorexia development, maintaining and lengthening illness [48,49]. Previous researchers have pointed out how anorexia patients can be inclined to overvalue their body size, more specifically controversial parts such as hips, buttocks, abdomen and arms [50].…”

“…Previous researchers have pointed out how anorexia patients can be inclined to overvalue their body size, more specifically controversial parts such as hips, buttocks, abdomen and arms [50]. As a consequence, anorexia patients suffer different emotions such as anxiety, disapprobation, guilt and social withdrawal, increasing their discomfort [48]. Thus, it should be considered how powerfully parental influence may affect anorexia progress.…”

Complementary Therapies for Women With Body Image Issues

“…On the other hand, individuals who suffer from anorexia nervosa exhibit intense fear of gaining weight, food restrictions to prevent weight gain, and dissatisfaction with body weight and shape [19]. Individuals who have both disorders show decreased self-esteem, increased anxiety about appearance, social isolation, and eating behavior disorders [20,21].…”

Similarities and differences regarding acute anorexia nervosa and semi-starvation: does behavioral thermoregulation play a central role?

“…Possibly related to nutritional deficiencies (Casper et al, 1980;Beumont et al, 1997;McCue, 2010;Miao et al, 2015) Possibly related to nutritional deficiencies (Franklin et al, 1948;Tucker, 2006;McCue, 2010) Hoarding/stealing food Possibly a survival strategy (Crisp et al, 1980;Yao et al, 2017) Possibly a survival strategy Tucker, 2006) Body image Distorted body image (Ciwoniuk et al, 2022) Distorted body image (Tucker, 2006) Self-injurious/mutilation behavior Some engage in self-mutilation (Crisp, 1984bYaryura-Tobias et al, 1995 Some engage in self-mutilation (Tucker, 2006) Libido A dramatic decrease in sexual-related interests/activities (Crisp, 1967;Price et al, 2020) A dramatic decrease in sexual-related interests/ activities In a Randomized Control Trial (RCT), Bergh et al (2002) assigned 13 ANs to a Treatment group. The treatment consisted of using a computerized device (a Mandometer) during lunchtime to monitor food intake, rate of eating, and satiety.…”