Drunkorexia It is an English -speaking neologism that blends the terms drunk (drunk) and anorexia. The word appeared for the first time in 2008 in the United States, in an article in the New York Timesto describe a disorder of eating behavior that interested university students.
Drunkoressia, or alcoholic anorexia, consists in the Reduction of food intake In order to increase alcohol intake, decreasing the risk of increasing body weight. Drunkoressia therefore refers to dysfunctional methods such as the excessive alcohol consumption and the Anorexizing conduct.
Drunkoressia: frequent symptoms and behaviors
The phenomenon of drunkorexia intertwines eating disorders, such as anorexia And bulimia, atalcohol abuse.
Some events can be traceable in the symptoms of Eating behavior disordersfor example:
- restrictive pipes of the power supply, such as skipping meals and reducing food intake
- evident decrease in body weight
- excessive exercise
These behaviors are combined with a excessive consumption of alcoholic beveragesimplementing those that some authors (Baer et al., 2002) define “alcoholic binges”. The restrictive food conduct aim to compensate the excessive intake of alcohol. In particular, the intake of sugars through the alcoholic drink creates a sense of satiety that contributes to reducing appetite. That’s why it is common belief that alcohol makes you lose weight.
In some cases there is also the Self -induced vomiting as a compensatory method.
Causes of drunkorexia and risk factors
Drunkoressia is a phenomenon detected mainly among the youth population. The risk factors are to be traced in a bio-psycho-social perspective.
In this phase of life, difficulties relating to the Perception of the body imagereferable to idealized social models To which the individual tends to join, with the desire to increase self -acceptance and social desability.
Excessive use of alcohol aims to facilitate social relationships and counteract the experiences of inadequacy. A study by the Sapienza University of Rome (Pompili & Laghi, 2018), has in fact confirmed that alcohol consumption can become a strategy to regulate emotions.
Some authors (Raylu & Lei, 2002) argue that theimpulsiveness Both the trait of personality that contributes to the development of a pathological dependence, given the inability of the subject to procrastinate gratifications. In the same way, the SEARCH OF SENSATIONShow to feel new experiences, can encourage approaching dysfunctional behavior.
Effects of drunkorexia on mental and physical health
Drunkoressia can lead to important psychophysical consequences linked to excessive alcohol use and food restrictions. Specifically, symptoms can be presented to:
- cardiovascular system
- gastrointestinal apparatus
- liver
- central nervous system.
Amenorrhea and physical deterioration may also occur.
From a psychological point of view, excessive use of alcohol can induce:
- difficulties in managing emotions
- violent reactions
- mood disorders
- anxiety
- depression
- Difficulty in the sexual sphere.
In addition, the decrease in concentration capacity It can expose to risk behaviors.
Social and relational impact
Those suffering from Drunkoressia usually have low self -esteem, a sense of shame towards their body and difficulties in social relationships. The increase in the risk of developing anxiety and mood disorders can lead to a gradual social isolationcompromising the relational sphere and social adapt skills significantly.
Diagnosis of drunkorexia and evaluation
Has been proposed to Insert Drunkoressia into the DSM-5 Among the disorders of nutrition and eating with other specification, inserting appropriate diagnostic criteria (Thompson-Memmer et al., 2019).
The symptoms attributable to anorexia nervosa (APA, 2014) They are the restriction in the intake of calories, intense fear of increasing weight, alteration of body perception. Other symptoms are referable to binge drinking such as excessive use of alcohol (4-5 drinks on a single occasion and in a short period of time).
To carry out one diagnostic evaluation It is appropriate to contact health and mental health professionals who, through the administration of Psychodiagnostic testspsychological interviews and medical evaluation, they can make an accurate diagnosis.
Drunkoressia treatment and prevention
The treatments indicated in this type of disorders, like eating disorders, are multidisciplinary and require the presence of different professional figures, such as psychologists, psychotherapists and doctors.
Intervene on the diet It is necessary to learn a balanced food style. There individual psychotherapyIn these cases, it can be important to deepen the causes at the origin of the symptoms, while the group is useful for promoting social skills and finding a positive support for the care process in the group.
There primary prevention It can constitute an effective intervention in terms of awareness -raising activities on the phenomena that affect the youth world, above all promoting greater awareness than the risks that are incorrect in the adoption of dysfunctional behavioral methods.
A review of the scientific literature (Larimer & Cronce, 2002) confirmed the importance of information among students as a preventive tool of health risks. It is appropriate to intervene by intercepting i Symptoms of malaise which could lead to drunkorexia or other risk behaviors.
An early diagnosis can make a difference
Prevention strategies provide individuals with the tools for the early recognition of symptoms to intervene promptly.
Among the social actors involved, The family has a primary role In the recognition of symptoms, since it is often experienced painful experiences compared to the difficulties of children. When managing the emotional aspects becomes difficult, it may be appropriate to contact a professional to start a path of psychological support, even online.
On the Unebravo you will find a network of psychologists and psychotherapists experts also in DCA, which can support you in the management of symptoms and in the treatment of drunkorexia.
