In an art therapy session, a patient with anorexia nervosa was ...

[ss2343]

In an art therapy session, a patient with anorexia nervosa was asked to draw a picture of herself. Which drawing would likely depict the patient's view of herself?
 
  a. A tall, slim girl with obvious muscle definition
  b. A shapely figure of a model who she really admires
  c. A malnourished teenager with thin, lanky extremities
  d. A grossly obese figure lacking feminine characteristics

Question 2

Which patient statement demonstrates the expected emotional response to bingeing?
 
  a. I know it's bad but I can't help bingeing.
  b. Everyone indulges in bingeing some times.
  c. After I binge I feel happy for a little while.
  d. Bingeing isn't bad if I do it only when I'm stressed.

[s.meritte]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Patients with eating disorders have alexithymia (i.e., difficulty naming their feelings) and they often have difficulty finding the words needed for talk therapy. Therefore, the use of expressive arts therapy allows for nonverbal self-disclosure and the experiential exploration of the inner experience. It also bypasses intellectual defenses and helps the patient to be more present in his or her bodily experience. The patient would be able to draw what she is unable to verbally describe. The other options do not reflect the anorexic patient's self-view of their body.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Serotonin levels and mood both improve with bingeing. This affect on serotonin would not result in rationalization, denial, or a sense of guilt and hopelessness.

[ss2343]

Thank you

[s.meritte]

Happy to help you