Stimulants+&+Eating+Disorders+Defined

**__Stimulants __**
Stimulants have chemical structures similar to key brain neurotransmitters called monoamines, which include norepinephrine and dopamine (Divadeenam,2008). Stimulants __enhance__ the effects of these chemicals in the brain and also increase blood pressure and heart rate, constrict blood vessels, increase blood glucose, and open up the pathways of the respiratory system. The __increase__ in dopamine is associated with a sense of euphoria that can accompany the use of these drugs (Divadeenam,2008). =__​Eating Disorders __=
 * Stimulants** are drugs that effect stimulation/excitation of the central nervous system (CNS). These CNS effects include alertness with increased vigilance, sense of well-being and euphoria.Many users experience insomnia and anorexia, and some may develop psychotic symptoms. Stimulants have peripheral cardiovascular activity, elevating blood pressure and increasing the heart rate. They encompass a broad category of substances, including those prescribed for medical conditions; those manufactured for illicit substance abuse; and those found in over-the-counter decongestants, herbal extracts, caffeinated beverages, and cigarettes.(Divadeenam,2008).

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Eating disorders are generally viewed as being psychological in origin.They are currently believed to have many causes including genetic and functional changes in the brain (Healthy Ontario, 2009). People suffering from anorexia and bulimia have preoccupations with body image, weight, and eating (Healthy Ontario, 2009). They also have a distorted personal body image and a fear of fatness and weight gain. **Anorexia nervosa** is a psychiatric condition in which people intentionally starve themselves because of a false belief that they are fat, or for fear of becoming obese. **Bulimia nervosa** is an eating disorder characterized by uncontrolled or compulsive binge eating, usually followed by inappropriate ways of trying to get rid of the food (Healthy Ontario, 2009).Common methods include: induced vomiting; excessive exercise, as well as, laxative and diet pill misuse (Stewart, 2002). [])======