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Anorexia Nervosa Causes & Symptoms
Anorexia, or Anorexia Nervosa as it is
known clinically, is an eating disorder that is characterized by body image
distortion and excessively low weight. It is diagnosed as a psychiatric
illness, and is a condition linking many factors, including psychological,
emotional, physiological, and societal.
Anorexia is primarily seen in Western society, affecting adolescent females
and young women. These individuals go to extraordinary lengths to lose and
control their weight, including by means of starvation, excessive exercise,
vomiting, or using laxative and diet aids. Anorexia takes a huge physical
and psychological toll on those afflicted with it, and it has the highest
death rate of any other psychiatric illness. About 10% of those with
Anorexia Nervosa die from some condition that is a direct result of the
disorder.
How Anorexia Nervosa Affects the Body
Anorexia puts a great deal of strain on
the cardiovascular system, particularly the heart. It can slow the heart
rate to dangerous levels. Anorexic individuals also tend to have an
electrolyte imbalance, which can lead to muscle pain and permanent muscle
damage, compromised immunities, and low phosphate levels, which can cause
heart failure.
For younger sufferers, Anorexia can stunt growth of the body permanently and
cause decreased amounts of hormones that are required for physical and
sexual development. Furthermore, due to poor nutrition and lack of nutrition
associated with Anorexia Nervosa, Osteoporosis can affect as much as 50% of
those suffering from the condition.
The Causes of Anorexia
There are several psychological,
emotional, physiological, and even social factors that can trigger Anorexia
in an individual. Some of these factors include:
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Body image distortion
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Perfectionism
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
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Clinical depression
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Poor personal and family relationships
-
Gender (the condition is more common in
females)
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Ethnicity (the condition is more common in
white individuals)
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Exposure to Western media
Symptoms to look for
There are a number of symptoms and warning
signs to look for if you think that someone you know is suffering from
Anorexia Nervosa. These include:
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Obsessive thoughts about food and body
weight
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Pre-occupation with body size and shape
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Moodiness
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Fear about becoming overweight
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Withdrawal from relationships
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Reduced immune function
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Pale complexion and sunken eyes
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Hypothermia, anemia, slow heart rate
(consistent with starvation)
-
Chapped lips
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Poor circulation – hands and feet are
purple
-
Headaches
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Fainting
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Secretive behavior
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Excessive exercise
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Severe reduction in eating
Anorexia Nervosa is hard to treat, with many patients resisting treatment.
Only about 50% of those with the condition ever fully recover from it.
Treatment usually involves hospitalization or outpatient treatment to
increase weight safely, psychotherapy, and drug treatment (for depression).
There are many non-profit groups who offer support to those who are
suffering from Anorexia, and for those who have a loved one afflicted with
the condition. Treatment takes time, support, and understanding, but
Anorexia can be overcome.
Healthy
Eating Obsessions
Health-related problems associated
with Bulimia
Excessive Appetite for a small
percentage means Prader-Willi Syndrome
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