Living with a Brain Disorder: Paula, 16-20, Anorexia Nervosa, Depression, Insomnia

Interviewee: Paula, age 16-20, from Ohio was diagnosed with “Anorexia Nervosa in January 2002 at Children’s Hospital in Omaha, NE Moderate depression and insomnia in November 2004 at Physician’s Clinic in Omaha, NE”.

Anorexia often prevents the accepting of lunch or dinner invitations, going to places with friends where food is likely. General daily interactions are often tense and uncomfortable, usually focusing on how to best please the other person.

…

Life is usually busy, fast-paced, and stressful. Often take on too many tasks. Has not changed during or after psychotherapy.

…

Positive self-talk to combat negative image of self related to body dysmorphic disorder and anorexia, rarely effective. Antidepressents for depression, usually very effective. Sedatives for insomnia, 50% effective

For the full interview, please visit the project page.

The GNIF Brain Blogger Living with a Brain Disorder series of excerpted interviews aims to provide unedited insight into the often mysterious minds of brain disorder patients by publishing interviews and professional commentary with afflicted individuals of mental health and neurological or “brain” disorders (e.g. Alzheimer’s, autism, bipolar disorder, depression, developmental disabilities, Parkinson’s, and schizophrenia). The project will encompass the world spectrum of afflicted individuals to identify socio-geographical etiologies, impact of stigmatization, access of medical and mental health information and treatment options, and other features of health promotion.