The Prevelence of Eating Disorders - 2839 Words

Abnormal psychology is a division of psychology that studies patterns of unusual behavior, emotion, and thought that may or may not deviate from the norms of society (Mcleod). Under this definition, a person’s thinking or behavior can be considered abnormal if it violates the â€Å"unwritten† rules that define what is acceptable behavior in a particular social setting or group. This branch of psychology is evaluated on an individual, social, and economic level due to varying factors shaping these patterns (Mcleod). One of the topics that is an ongoing challenge, particularly in young adolescent females, is eating disorders. As with most mental illnesses, eating disorders are not caused by just one factor, but rather by a combination of cognitive, sociocultural, and biological factors. There are many psychological causes and personality traits that may predispose people to developing eating disorders. Most people that suffer from eating disorders can be described as having low self-esteem, feelings of vulnerability, and penetrating dissatisfaction with the way that they look (Profile). Eating disorders can, and more likely than not, destroy the body. For example, problems associated with anorexia can include anemia, osteoporosis, constipation, and even damage to the heart and brain. Bulimia can result in a sore throat, acid reflux, and heart attacks. People that have a binge eating disorder could develop high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other problems