Assignment 1: Discussion Assignment

The discussion assignment provides a forum to discuss the relevant topics for this week based on the course competencies covered. For this assignment, there are two parts. Make sure to answer all questions for Part 1 and Part 2 by Wednesday, February 3, 2016. Provide a detailed response to the topic questions in the Discussion Area. For this assignment, post your responses directly in the Discussion Area. Do not use attached documents.

To support your work, make sure to utilize your course and text readings. When asked, also utilize outside sources. As in all assignments, make sure to cite your sources in your work and provide references for those citations utilizing APA format.

Start reviewing and responding to the postings of your classmates as early in the week as possible. Respond to at least two of your classmates. Participate in the discussion by asking a question, providing a statement of clarification, providing a point of view with a rationale, challenging an aspect of the discussion, or indicating a relationship between one or more lines of reasoning in the discussion. Complete your participation for this assignment by Sunday, February 7, 2016.

Part 1:

In this era of concerns about health, diet, and obesity, there are a multitude of diets and weight loss products (including pills and surgery) on the market. The social norms seem to be shifting to a healthier lifestyle, with obesity being targeted as a major health problem. This leads individuals to seek help in weight loss and obesity. For example, in order to be successful after bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery), a person has to change his or her lifestyle—which often includes monitoring what he or she eats and when.

• Explain the difference between a person who has to maintain a strict regimen of healthy living and diet to not be obese and a person who is diagnosed with an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa.
• Review the National Institute of Mental Health’s information regarding eating disorders. Describe the symptoms of anorexia nervosa and provide an explanation of the common factors relating to acquiring the disorder, how it is diagnosed, and its treatment.

Part 2:

Impulse control can be defined as an inability to control the desire for a substance or act. The lack of impulse control is seen as a factor related to substance abuse but it is not the only factor. Research information on addictions and the two types of addictions (substance addictions and behavioral addictions). Choose one substance addiction and one behavioral addiction and answer the following:

• Describe each addiction including potential genetic and environmental factors leading to the addiction. Describe the common symptoms, especially those that impact the person both physically and psychologically. Describe the common treatments for the disorders.
• Explain why a person with an addiction may have a difficult time accepting he or she has an addiction, seeking treatment, and abstaining from the addiction without relapsing.

Justify your answers with appropriate reasoning and research from your text and course readings. Comment on the postings of at least two peers, and provide an analysis of each peer’s postings while also suggesting specific additions or clarifications for improving the discussion question response.