Anorexia nervosa is a deadly eating disorder that primarily affects teenage girls and young women. Anorexia is characterized by a preoccupation with weight, an intense fear of gaining weight, and self-imposed starvation. The disorder has the second highest fatality rate of any mental illness, and Anorexia nervosa has the highest fatality rate of any psychiatric disorder.
Anorexia nervosa is a mental disorder that is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image. People with this eating disorder usually restrict their calorie intake and may also exercise excessively. It can have serious health consequences, including death. If you or someone you know may be suffering from an eating disorder, it is important to seek professional help immediately. This guide will provide you with a complete overview of this disorder, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
What Is Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and self-imposed starvation. Individuals with this eating disorder have a distorted body image and see themselves as overweight even when they are dangerously underweight. It is a serious, potentially life-threatening eating disorder. It is marked by an obsessive fear of gaining weight and a severe restriction of calorie intake. People with this disorder may see themselves as overweight, even when they are dangerously thin. Anorexia nervosa is a serious mental illness that can have devastating physical consequences. If you or someone you love is struggling with this disorder, it is important to seek professional help immediately.
Causes Of Anorexia Nervosa
The precise cause of anorexia nervosa is unknown. Anorexia is a combination of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors on the mental health of an individual.
Biological Factors: There is some evidence to suggest that anorexia nervosa may be partly genetic. Also, studies of twins have shown that if one identical twin has this eating disorder; the other twin is more likely to develop the disorder as well.
Psychological Factors: Psychological factors that may contribute to it includes low self-esteem, perfectionism, and a need for control. Individuals with this eating disorder often have a distorted body image and see themselves as overweight even when they are dangerously underweight.
Sociocultural Factors: Sociocultural factors that may contribute to this disorder include the pressure to be thin, particularly for women and girls. In Western cultures, there is an emphasis on the importance of physical appearance, which can lead to body dissatisfaction and disordered eating.
Symptoms Of Anorexia Nervosa
The physical symptoms of this eating disorder are a result of self-imposed starvation. Varying degrees of weight loss, malnutrition, and dehydration can lead to serious health problems, including anemia, organ damage, and death.
Some of the physical symptoms of anorexia nervosa include: –
- Intentional weight loss of at least 15% of body weight – BMI below 18.5.
- Preoccupation with weight, food, and calories.
- Refusal to eat or eat very small amounts.
- Obsessive exercise.
- Thin appearance.
- Muscle weakness.
- Brittle hair and nails, Dry skin, Fatigue, and Insomnia.
Furthermore, the psychological symptoms of this disorder are a result of the eating disorder and its effects on the individual’s mental health. It can cause anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors.
Some of the psychological symptoms of anorexia nervosa include: –
- Anxiety.
- Depression.
- Obsessive-compulsive behaviors.
- Social withdrawal.
- Mood swings.
- Irritability.
Diagnoses
Anorexia nervosa is diagnosed based on the individual’s symptoms, medical history, and laboratory tests. To be diagnosed with this eating disorder, an individual must meet the following criteria: –
- Refusal to maintain body weight at or above the minimally normal weight for age and height.
- Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even though underweight.
- Distortion of body image, seeing oneself as overweight even though underweight.
- Amenorrhea, in post-pubertal females.
In addition to meeting the above criteria, a diagnosis of it can be made if an individual has lost a significant amount of weight, has a BMI below 17.5, or has experienced significant weight loss despite a normal body weight.
Treatments
The goal of treatment for anorexia nervosa is to return the individual to a healthy weight and to help them develop a healthy relationship with food and their body. Also, treatment typically involves a team of health professionals, including a physician, dietitian, and mental health professional. Treatment for it may include
- Nutritional counseling.
- Psychotherapy
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
- Medication Hospitalization may be necessary if the individual is severely underweight or at risk of harming themselves.
Living With Anorexia Nervosa
This is a serious mental illness with potentially deadly consequences. The physical and psychological effects of the disorder can be devastating. However, if you or someone you love is struggling with this disorder, it is important to seek professional help immediately. Treatment for this disorder is available and can be successful. Meanwhile, with treatment, individuals with it can recover and go on to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
FAQs
What happens to somebody with anorexia nervosa?
A person who has anorexia tries to keep their weight as low as possible by not eating enough food or working out too much, or both. This can make them very ill because they start to go short of food. They often have an inaccurate image of their bodies, thinking they are fat even when they are malnourished.
What is the main difference between anorexia and malnutrition?
Theoretically, it is a classic kind of malnutrition resulting from prolonged starvation. Malnutrition is related to a simple eating disorder (fear of eating and becoming fat) causing a drop in food intake.
Can someone enjoy Life After anorexia?
Yes, but life after treatment is never going to be easy. However, it’s worth pushing in the effort. With the right approach and the right support, you can live a longer, happier, and healthier life, free of your eating syndrome.