RESEARCH

My senior thesis focused on the relapse rates, timing trends, and mortality rates of anorexia nervosa to find significant predictors of relapse. I concluded my research with a discussion about the need for more standardized definitions in the DSM, and suggested treatment methods for the prevention of relapse. I intend on continuing this research as I advance in my field.

A higher understanding of the predictors of relapse in AN is needed to more efficiently treat AN and reduce mortality rates; however, the DSM needs to include standardized definitions to allow for more accurate diagnosis, research, and treatment. Overall, it is crucial that treatment methods, specifically the prevention of relapse, as well as diagnosis and research, be improved; as many as 20% of individuals with AN pass away due to the aggressiveness of the illness and therefore the relapse that occurs. Relapse, and therefore mortality in AN can be prevented, as soon as the improvement of standardized definitions allows for relapse to be prevented.

Abstract: Since there are several similar neurological abnormalities between obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and eating disorders (ED), and because OCD and eating disorders have high levels of comorbidity, a better course of treatment can improve symptoms of patients. Additionally, there may be changes in the neurobiological abnormalities through treatment. 150 patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and OCD, and 150 patients with bulimia nervosa (BN) and OCD will be treated with a multimodal treatment program, targeting both the OCD and the ED. There will also be a control group of 150 healthy individuals. The participants will undergo an fMRI before treatment, three months into treatment, 6 months into treatment, 12 months into treatment, and 18 months into treatment. The treatment will go for 18 months. Each participant will have data collected for prior treatment history and current mental health status. The independent variable will be the multimodal treatment program. There will be two dependent variable measures: symptom severity, and specific attention to the structure and function of brain abnormalities in the the grey matter, the prefrontal cortex, the occipital lobe, and the cerebellum. One-way MANOVA should indicate a significant decrease in symptom severity of both OCD and ED, as well as a significant change in the similar neurobiological abnormalities.

The history of discrimination against women is a long-developed issue resulting in the holding back of half of the earth’s population. From before a child is even born, its fate of gender bias is being determined. Pink for girls and blue for boys. Dolls, pretend kitchens, and princesses for girls; cars, sports, and superheroes for boys. While we may not register this information consciously, we may even consciously disagree with it, unconscious processing affects gender stereotypes. This results in gender bias. Unconscious bias is defined by the University of British Columbia as “the assumptions and conclusions we jump to without thinking. . . these biases may not be intentional, but their impact is severe” (Unconscious Bias). Not only women, but also men, suffer from unconscious gender bias, also known as unconscious sexism. We all fall prey to this problem underneath our awareness. It is universally known that sexism causes many downfalls in our world, and it is important to address that this problem resides within all of us. Unconscious sexism affects everyone socially, politically, and economically on an international level . . .

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that can affect “all ages, genders, sexual orientations, races, and ethnicities” (“Anorexia: Overview and statistics,” n.d.). This eating disorder is characterized by restriction of energy intake, intense fear of gaining weight, and disturbance in the experience of one’s own body weight. There are biological, psychological, social, sociocultural, and interpersonal factors correlated with the disorder. Anorexia can be treated, and there are many types and levels of treatment. To the Bone is a movie about a character named Ellen who has anorexia nervosa, and its accuracy and appropriateness is important to discuss.

A written support of Karen Warren’s argument that feminists, philosophers, and environmentalists should have a complete awareness of the relationship between the domination by males of “both women and the natural world” to be knowledgeable in ecological feminism. I will also support Warren’s argument in which she develops her argument that her ecofeminist philosophy is adequate through her explanation of the relationships between violence, resourcefulness, peace, and dominative power. Warren seeks to prove through her essay that ecofeminist philosophy is adequate, and that it includes traits and requirements that must be fulfilled to qualify as ecological feminism. I believe it is important that the thesis be motivated, for Warren notes a distinct difference between feminism and ecological feminism. By ecological, Warren is referencing the understanding of the interpersonal social relationships that have been constructed by human beings on Earth. Warren also magnifies ecological as including the philosophical understanding of the relationships that exist between women and the natural-environmental parts of life (Warren 2). Warren emphasizes that if one claims to be feminist without recognizing the ecological significance it requires, he or she is not truly feminist (Warren 2). Upon learning the relations between ecological factors and the patriarchy, I highly agree with Warren.