Eating & Sleep-Wake Disorders — Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments Explained | Chapter 8 of Essentials of Abnormal Psychology

Chapter 8 of Essentials of Abnormal Psychology examines eating disorders and sleep-wake disorders, highlighting their psychological, biological, and social roots as well as evidence-based treatments. This guide will clarify key definitions, contributing factors, and therapeutic approaches so you can excel in your studies and clinical understanding.

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Major Eating Disorders

Eating disorders involve severe disturbances in eating behaviors driven by fears around weight and body image.

• Bulimia Nervosa: Recurrent binge-eating followed by compensatory behaviors (vomiting, excessive exercise, laxatives). Treatment: CBT, SSRIs, and structured meal plans.
• Anorexia Nervosa: Extreme food restriction, intense fear of weight gain, distorted body image. Treatment: Nutritional rehabilitation, psychotherapy, and exposure therapy for weight-related anxiety.
• Binge-Eating Disorder (BED): Repeated binge episodes without purging. Treatment: CBT, self-monitoring, and appetite regulation strategies.

Contributing Factors

• Social: Cultural emphasis on thinness, peer influences, social comparison.
• Biological: Genetic predisposition, serotonin dysregulation, hormonal imbalances.
• Psychological: Perfectionism, low self-esteem, difficulty managing emotions.

Obesity and Behavioral Interventions

Although not a psychological disorder, obesity involves behavioral, social, and genetic factors. Treatment: Dietary modification, exercise programs, behavioral therapy, and in severe cases, bariatric surgery.

Sleep-Wake Disorders

Sleep-wake disorders disrupt sleep quality, timing, or behaviors and impact mental and physical health.

• Insomnia Disorder: Difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep. Treatment: CBT-I, sleep hygiene techniques, and melatonin regulation.
• Hypersomnolence Disorder: Excessive daytime sleepiness despite adequate night sleep. Treatment: Stimulant medications and sleep schedule regulation.
• Narcolepsy: Sudden sleep attacks with cataplexy (muscle‐tone loss). Treatment: Stimulants (e.g., modafinil) and certain antidepressants.
• Breathing-Related Sleep Disorders: Sleep apnea causing interrupted breathing and fatigue. Treatment: CPAP therapy and weight management.
• Circadian Rhythm Sleep-Wake Disorder: Misalignment of sleep schedule with societal demands (shift work, jet lag). Treatment: Bright light therapy and gradual schedule adjustments.
• Parasomnias: Abnormal behaviors during sleep—nightmares, sleepwalking, REM sleep behavior disorder. Treatment: Scheduled awakenings, safety precautions, and CBT.

Treatment Approaches & Best Practices

Effective interventions address cognitive, behavioral, and physiological components:

• CBT: Core treatment for both eating and sleep disorders to modify dysfunctional thoughts and habits.
• Exposure Therapy: Reduces anxiety related to food, weight, or sleep cues.
• CPAP Therapy: Gold standard for sleep apnea, maintaining airway patency during sleep.
• Sleep Hygiene: Regular sleep schedule, reducing stimulants, and creating a restful environment.
• Biofeedback & Relaxation: Teaches control over physiological responses to stress and anxiety.

Conclusion: Integrating Care for Eating and Sleep Disorders

Chapter 8 underscores the interplay of psychological, biological, and social factors in both eating and sleep-wake disorders. By applying a multidimensional treatment framework—combining CBT, pharmacotherapy, behavioral strategies, and supportive interventions—you can develop comprehensive care plans and excel in exam preparation.

For more in-depth examples and tips, watch the full Chapter 8 video summary. Dive deeper into your textbook and reinforce your learning with these frameworks.

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