Eating Disorders And Personality Disorders :: essays research papers

<a href="http//www.geocities.com/vaksam/">Sam Vaknins Psychology, Philosophy, Economics and Foreign Affairs Web SitesPatients twinge from eating disorders binge on food and sometimes are twain Anorectic and Bulimic. This is an impulsive behaviour as defined by the DSM (particularly in the grounds of BPD and to a lesser extent of Cluster B disorders in general). Some patients adopt these disorders as their way of self mutilating. We may be witnessing a converging of two criteria self-mutilation and an impulsive (rather, compulsive or ritualistic) behaviour.The key to improving the mental state of patients with dual diagnosis (a personality disorder plus an eating disorder) lies in concentrating upon their eating and sleeping disorders. In my view, these disorders are a blessing in disguise.It is very rarely, even in the lives of normal human beings, that they are faced with a veritable, identifiable enemy. By controlling their eating disorders, patients can assert con trol over their lives. This is bound to reduce their depression (even eliminate it altogether as a constant feature of their mental life). This is bound to ameliorate other facets of their personality disorders. Here is the chain controlling eating disorders=controlling my life=I am worthy, I have self-confidence, self esteem and self-worth=I have a challenge, an interest, an enemy to subjugate=I am strong=I can interact=I feel better (I am a success) etc.When a patient has a personality disorder and an eating disorder, I see no point in concentrating at first on anything but his eating disorder. Personality Disorders are intricate and intractable. They are rarely cured (though certain aspects, identical OCD, can be dealt with using medication). It calls for the enormous, persistent and continuous investment of resources of every kind by every one involved. This is not realistic. Also this is not a realistic threat. If a personality disorder is cured but the eating disorders are a ggravated, the patient might die (though mentally healthy) ...An eating disorder is both a signal of distress (I wish to die, I feel so bad, somebody help me) and a message "I think I bewildered control. I am very afraid of losing control. I will control my food intake and out-take. This way I control at least one aspect of my life".This is where we can and should begin to help the patient. Help him to regain control. The family or other supporting figures must think what they can do to let the patient feel that he is in control, that he manages things his own way, that he is contributing, has his own schedules, his own agenda, possesses both authority and responsibility.