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Caitilin Rice
RCLS 245-01
February 26, 2015
ICF Write-up Based on Diagnosis
Diagnosis: Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are defined by an unhealthy relationship with food. There are three main types
of eating disorders; anorexia nervosa, binge eating disorder, bulimia nervosa. Other disorders
often classified as eating disorders are Prader-Willi syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes
failure to thrive in the first three years of life and then transitions into a compulsive eating
disorder, and pica, the compulsive eating of non-edible items such as clay, sand, glass, paper,
etc (Porter & Burlingame pg. 63). All types of eating disorders affect both male and females of
all ages, but is found to be more prominent in adolescent females.
Anorexia nervosa is when a clients body weight is 15% less than a normal, healthy weight. With
anorexia nervosa the clients low weight is directly related to the refusal to maintain body weight
caused by impaired perception of self. Binge eating is defined by the recurring and regular
episodes of eating unusually large amounts of food in a relatively short period of time. The
diagnosis of binge eating doesnt mean that client is obese. The other common type of eating
disorder, bulimia nervosa, is a type of binge eating is where client engages in unhealthy
behaviors to avoid gaining weight such as self-induced vomiting and use of laxatives (NEDA).
Eating disorders are associated with a wide range of adverse psychological, physical, and social
consequences (NIHM). With eating disorders often linked with depression, low self-esteem, and
problems with handling stress, therapy usually focuses on these certain problems.
Eating disorders often have major consequences for ones body such as possible damage to
cardiovascular system, reproduction functioning, osteoporosis, permanent loss of bowel
movements, etc (Porter & Burlingame pg. 64). Research indicates that individuals with anorexia
nervosa have a mortality rate 18 times higher than peers who dont have eating disorders (APA).
With the major health issues related to eating disorders it is very important that individuals
receive professional treatment for their disorder.
Body Functions
b1801 Body Image
Specific mental functions related to the representation and awareness of ones body. Inclusions:
Impairments such as phantom limb and feeling too fat or too thin (pg. 185).
Relevancy to Diagnosis
Distortion of body image is common for clients diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, and bulimia
nervosa.
b1304 Impulse Control
Mental Function that regulate and resist sudden intense urges to do something (pg. 157).

Relevancy to Diagnosis
Impulse control is a large aspect of eating disorders. Binge eating; impulse to eat, bulimia
nervosa; possible impulse to vomit, pica; impulse to eat uncommon items, and anorexia nervosa;
impulse to exercise.
b530 Weight Management Functions
Functions of maintaining appropriate body weight, including weight gain in developmental
period. Inclusions: functions of maintenance of acceptable Body Mass Index (BMI); and
impairments such as underweight, cachexia, wasting, overweight, emaciation and such as in
primary and secondary obesity (pg. 217).
Relevancy to Diagnosis
One of the key goals for eating disorders is for the client to learn how to maintain an appropriate
body weight.
Activities and Participation
d2401 Handling Stress
Carrying out simple or complex and coordinated actions to cope with pressure, emergencies, or
stress associated task performance (pg. 271).
Relevancy to Diagnosis
Most eating disorders are exacerbated by difficulty of handling stress. Stress management
techniques should be used to help the client identify their stress responses.
d5702 Maintaining Ones Health
Caring for oneself by being aware of the need and doing what is required to look after ones
health, both to respond to risks to health and to prevent ill-health, such as by seeking professional
assistance; following medical and other health advice; and avoiding risks to health such as
physical injury, communicable diseases, drug-taking, and sexually transmitted diseases (pg. 306).
Relevancy to Diagnosis
Eating disorders are hazardous to ones health. Clients with eating disorders should be able to
identify what is necessary to take care of their bodies, and what is potentially dangerous to ones
health.
d710 Basic Interpersonal Interactions
Interacting with people in a contextually and socially appropriate manner, such as by showing
consideration and esteem when appropriate, or responding to the feelings of others. Inclusions:
showing respect, warmth, appreciation, and tolerance in relationships; and using social cues in
relationships; and using appropriate physical contact in relationships (pg. 317).
Relevancy to Diagnosis
Many suffering from eating disorders are also dealing with low self-esteem, self-worth, and have
difficulty responding the feelings of others.
Environmental Factors
e110 Products or Substances for Personal Consumption
Any natural or human-made object or substance gathered, processed, or manufactured for

ingestion. Inclusions: food, drink, and drugs (pg. 304).

Relevancy to Diagnosis
Food, drink, and drugs play a large environmental factor in clients with eating disorders lives.
Whether it be the client only has the urge to behave in an unhealthy manor when presented with
certain foods, or even when drugs such as laxatives are readily available to the client.
e310 Immediate Family
Individuals related by birth, marriage, and other relationship recognized by the culture as
immediate family, such as spouses, partners, siblings, children, foster parents, adoptive parents,
and grandparents (pg. 365).
Relevancy to Diagnosis
Immediate family support is very important for clients recovery from eating disorders.
Therapists should identify if immediate family is acting as a facilitator or a barrier for the client.
e320 Friends
Individuals who are close and ongoing participants in relationships characterized by trust and
mutual support (pg. 365).
Relevancy to Diagnosis
The clients friends can easily be a barrier or facilitator for the clients recovery. Emotional
support or lack of can have a large impact on a clients recovery.

References
National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH],(2014). Eating Disorders: About More Than
Food. Retrieved from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/eating-disorders-newtrifold/index.shtml
American Psychology Association [APA],(Oct. 2011). Eating Disorders. Retrieved from
http://apa.org/helpcenter/eating.aspx
National Eating Disorder Association [NEDA],(2014). General Information. Retrieved from
http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/general-information
Porter, H.R. & Burlingame, J.,(2011). Recreational Therapy Handbook of Practice: ICF-Based
Diagnosis and Treatment.