Varcarolis’ Foundations of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing (9th Edition) | Complete Chapter Summaries - Eating & Feeding Disorders Explained | Chapter 18 – Varcarolis’ Psychiatric Nursing (8th)

This chapter provides an extensive overview of the most common and potentially lethal psychiatric illnesses: the eating and feeding disorders, which exist along a biopsychosocial spectrum. Key conditions discussed include Anorexia Nervosa (AN), characterized by a significantly low Body Mass Index (BMI), an intense phobia of weight gain, and a disturbed body image, often maintained through restriction or compensatory behaviors like purging. Research highlights the neurobiological underpinnings of AN, noting genetic correlations, altered serotonin metabolism, and variations in brain structures like the insula, which interferes with interoceptive awareness and satiety signals. Nursing care for AN necessitates immediate medical stabilization for life-threatening issues, such as severe electrolyte imbalance and bradycardia, often involving structured refeeding to safely achieve 90% of ideal body weight while carefully avoiding refeeding syndrome. Bulimia Nervosa (BN) is defined by recurrent episodes of uncontrollable binge eating followed by inappropriate compensatory behaviors; these patients are typically at or near normal weight but struggle with impulse control, low self-esteem, and altered dopamine and serotonin signaling pathways related to reward processing. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a first-line psychological treatment for BN, often supplemented by FDA-approved pharmacotherapy like Fluoxetine. Finally, Binge-Eating Disorder (BED) involves recurrent binging episodes that cause marked distress but lack compensatory behaviors, frequently leading to obesity and associated health risks. BED treatment focuses on binge abstinence and may utilize medications like Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate. The chapter concludes with an introduction to Feeding Disorders, which typically emerge in childhood but can persist, including Pica (ingesting non-nutritive substances), Rumination Disorder (regurgitation and rechewing), and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), where avoidance is based on sensory issues rather than body image concerns. Across all disorders, nursing management emphasizes patient-centered outcomes, milieu management, addressing cognitive distortions, and promoting improved coping skills and self-esteem. 📘 Read full blog summaries for every chapter: https://lastminutelecture.com 📘 Have a book recommendation? Submit your suggestion here: https://forms.gle/y7vQQ6WHoNgKeJmh8 Thank you for being a part of our little Last Minute Lecture family! ⚠️ Disclaimer: These summaries are created for educational and entertainment purposes only. They provide transformative commentary and paraphrased overviews to help students understand key ideas from the referenced textbooks. Last Minute Lecture is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any textbook publisher or author. All textbook titles, names, and cover images—when shown—are used under nominative fair use solely for identification of the work being discussed. Some portions of the writing and narration are generated with AI-assisted tools to enhance accessibility and consistency. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, these materials are intended to supplement—not replace—official course readings, lectures, or professional study resources. Always refer to the original textbook and instructor guidance for complete and authoritative information.