DEFINITION
Anorexia nervosa similarly called anorexia can be defined as an eating disorder that is psychologically inclined and considered as life threatening. It is characterized by an extremely low body weight and a strong fear of gaining weight. In this cycle of self-starvation, the essential nutrient (sodium, potassium and calcium) needed to make the body function normally is not supplied to the body forcing the body to slow down all the processes needed for energy conservation, resulting in a very serious medical condition. People suffering from anorexia place a high worth on regulating their weight and shape, using extreme effort that is likely to interfere with their health. In preventing weight gain, people with anorexia usually put much restriction on the amount of food they eat. They also engage in excessive exercises in a bid to losing weight. Anorexia is more prevalent among teenagers but still people of any age can suffer from this eating condition, even though it is extremely rare in those over 40. Teens are at a higher risk because of all the changes the body experience during puberty. Increased peer pressure can heighten sensitivity to criticism about weight or body shape in teens. Dieting in an attempt to control weight is different from anorexia. While someone might diet in a bid to lose weight, anorexic disordered people diet in order to gain happiness and self-mastery.
CAUSES
The exact cause of anorexia is still much unknown. Anorexia may be a combining effort of biological, psychological, interpersonal and environmental factors.
BIOLOGICAL : It is still being heavily researched what gene triggers anorexia. However, certain genetic changes can lead to a higher risk of anorexia. Individuals who have relatives suffering or who might have suffered from anorexia in the past are also at higher risk.
PSYCHOLOGICAL: Psychological factors that contributes to anorexia includes Low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, anger, loneliness etc.
INTERPERSONAL: This include a history of being ridiculed based on weight and size, childhood sexual abuse, severe trauma.
ENVIRONMMENTAL: Social factors that contributes to anorexia include cultural pressure that emphasizes thinness and constantly reinforce being thin and having the ‘perfect body’ as ideal stereotypes. Professions and careers such as modelling and ballet that supports being thin and weight loss.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
This could be physical and emotional.
Some physical symptoms include:
Thin appearance
Insomnia
Dizziness or fainting
Dry or yellowish skin
Low blood pressure
Bluish discoloration of the fingers
Constipation and abdominal pain
Dehydration
Swelling of hands and legs
Menstrual irregularities
Dry and brittle nails
Muscle weakness
Cold in extreme cases
Decreased testosterone in males
Kidney problems
Heart Problems
Dry and brittle hair
Emotional behavioral signs and symptoms include:
Preoccupation with weight, food, dieting and calories
Maintains an extreme exercise regimen
Has an intense fear of weight gain or being fat
Denial of hunger or excuse for avoiding to eat
May become isolated and withdrawn
Dramatic weight loss
Covering up in layer of clothe to hide weight loss
Inability to maintain a body weight for age
Social withdrawal
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
DIAGNOSIS
Early indicators of anorexia may be identified by a primary care physician (family doctor, paediatrician) who prevents its development into a full-blown disease. They can ask questions about eating habit and attitude towards food. Additional test may be carried out to check for any related complications.
TREATMENT
Pursuing a treatment for recovery, it is recommended to seek service of a well-qualified team of eating disorder specialist, consisting of a therapist, nutritionist and a physician.
The physician addresses the underlying health issues that might have occurred as a result of such eating disorder behavior. Issues such as unstable heartbeat, malnutrition, amenorrhea (absence of menstrual discharge).
The nutritionist tries to help in weight restoration by implementing and supervising a well-tailored eating pattern and educating on the normal pattern of eating.
The therapist is to recognize and understand serious emotional issues attached to such eating disorder and apply such method that can help in healthier coping skill and develop ways to deal with such emotions