Anorexia is also known by the name anorexia. This eating disorder is potentially deadly and is marked by extreme weight loss and self-starvation. A person who is less than 15% of their normal/ideal weight is considered to have anorexia. Anorexia nervosa patients who lose extreme weight can have serious health consequences and even lead to death.
Anorexia literally translates to “loss appetite”. Anorexia nervosa is a condition that causes people to be hungry and refuse food. Anorexia is a condition where people fear becoming fat. This “flaw” may be corrected by restricting food intake or exercising too much to lose weight.
Who gets anorexia?
Anorexia is more common among females than it is in males. However, the incidences in males are rising. Actors, models and dancers are more at risk of developing an eating disorder than athletes who compete in sports where weight and appearance are important.
Anorexics are often very successful, performing well at school, work, and in other activities. They are perfectionists and can display anxious, depressive, or obsessive symptoms. Anorexia Nervosa is most common in the twenties, but can also develop later on.
What causes anorexia?
Research suggests that anorexia may be due to a combination or personality traits, emotions, thinking patterns, and biological and environmental factors.
Anorexic people often turn to food and eating to control their stress levels or feel overwhelmed. Anorexia can be caused by low self-esteem and feelings of loneliness, inadequacy, anger, anxiety, fear, or anger. Eating disorders can also be caused by people who have had trouble with relationships or were subject to constant criticisms about their weight. Anorexia can also be caused by peer pressure and society that values beauty and thinness.
There may also be physical reasons for eating disorders. Hormone changes that affect mood, memory, and appetite could lead to eating disorders. Anorexia is known to be a genetic disorder.
What are the symptoms of anorexia?
Anorexia can often be characterized by the following symptoms:
– Fast weight loss over several months or weeks
– Eating a limited diet/continuing to exercise even though you’re very thin or extremely low in weight
– Unusual interest in food and nutrition.
– A fearful feeling of losing weight
– Unusual eating patterns or routines (e.g. secret eating).
– Feeling fat, even if underweight
– Inability or unwillingness to assess one’s weight realistically
– Strive for perfection, being self-critical
– Unfair influence of body shape or weight on self-esteem
– Depression or anxiety.
– Missed or infrequent menstrual periods in women
– Use of laxatives, diuretics, or diet pills
– Frequent illness
Losing weight by wearing loose clothes
– Compulsive exercising
– Feeling worthless/hopeless
– Avoiding contact with people
Symptoms that occur over time.
Anorexia Nervosa, if left untreated can lead:
– Damaged Organs, especially the Heart, Brain, and Kidneys
– Reduced blood pressure, pulse, or breathing rate
– Hair loss
– Unregular heartbeat
– Thinner bones, also known as osteoporosis
– Fluid electrolyte imbalance
– Suicide or starvation can lead to death
How is Anorexia diagnosed?
It can be difficult to identify anorexia. The disorder is characterised by secrecy and shame. This can lead to the illness going undiagnosed for a long time.
A complete medical history will be taken and a physical exam performed if symptoms are detected. Although anorexia is not diagnosed by lab tests, the doctor may order blood tests to confirm the diagnosis.
If there is no obvious physical illness, the person may be referred to a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other health care professionals trained in diagnosing and treating mental disorders. For an evaluation of an eating disorder, psychologists or psychiatrists may use specially designed assessment and interview tools.
What is the treatment for anorexia?
Anorexia emergency care may be required in extreme cases, such as those where malnutrition, dehydration or kidney failure may present a danger to your life.
The difficulty of treating anorexia, whether it is urgent or not, is that most sufferers deny the existence of the disorder. Anorexia is a disorder that requires individualized treatment plans.
The goal of treatment is to achieve healthy weight and emotional well-being. Most often, treatment includes a combination the following:
– Psychotherapy: This therapy focuses on changing thinking and behavior in an individual who has an eating disorder. The treatment involves practical techniques that can help you develop healthy attitudes and behaviors about food, weight, and how to respond to difficult situations.
– Medication. Some antidepressant medications (SSRIs) can be used in order to reduce anxiety and depression linked with eating disorders. Antidepressants can also be used to stimulate appetite and sleep. To help with anxiety, distorted eating patterns and other issues, you might also need to take medications.
– Nutrition counseling. This strategy teaches healthy eating habits.
– Family and/or group therapy: It is important that family support is provided for treatment success. Family members must be aware of the symptoms and signs of eating disorders. Group therapy is a good option for people with eating disorders. They can get support and be able to openly share their feelings with others who have similar experiences.
– Hospitalization. In severe cases of weight loss or other serious health issues, such heart problems, serious depression, or suicide risk, hospitalization might be required. Sometimes, the patient will need to be fed via a tube or IV.
What is the outlook for people with anorexia?
Like other eating disorders, anorexia gets worse if it isn’t treated. The best outcome for anorexia is achieved when it is treated and diagnosed as soon as possible. Anorexia can often be treated. It allows the individual to gain weight back.
Relapses are possible even though treatment is possible. Anorexia recovery requires a commitment and long-term treatment. Family members and loved ones can support the individual in receiving the treatment they need.
Can Anorexia be Prevented?
While it may not be possible for everyone to avoid anorexia, it can be helpful to get treatment started as soon as someone starts to feel the effects. It might also be beneficial to teach and encourage healthy eating habits as well as realistic attitudes regarding food and body image.
What is the best time to seek help for anorexia?
You should seek immediate help if you suspect you or someone in your family has anorexia. If left untreated, eating disorders can be dangerous. Eating disorders can lead to severe health problems that can prove fatal.