What
is anorexia nervosa?
People
who intentionally starve themselves or severely restrict their
food intake suffer from an eating disorder called anorexia nervosa.
The disorder, which usually begins in young people around the
time of puberty, involves extreme weight loss -- at least 15
percent below a young woman’s normal body weight. Those
experiencing anorexia nervosa also have an intense fear of becoming
fat, even though they are underweight. Many people with the
disorder look emaciated but are convinced that they are overweight.
Sometimes they must be hospitalized to prevent starvation, yet
they often continue to deny the condition. Food and weight become
obsessions. For some, the compulsiveness shows up in strange
eating rituals or the refusal to eat in front of others. It
is not uncommon for people with anorexia to collect recipes
and prepare lavish gourmet feast for family and friends, but
not partake in the meals themselves. They may adhere to strict
exercise routines to keep off weight. Ninety percent of all
anorexics are women.
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What are the causes
of anorexia nervosa?
The
exact cause of anorexia nervosa remains unknown. People with
anorexia may believe that they would be happier and more successful
if they were thin. Anorexics tend to be perfectionists. They
want everything in their lives to be perfect. People suffering
from this illness are typically good students and are involved
in many school and community activities. They tend to blame
themselves if things in their life are less than perfect. Many
anorexics suffer from errors in thinking or perceptions. They
incorrectly believe they need to lose weight to find happiness.
Body image distortions are common place among anorexics. Others
have had difficulties in relationships and manifest these problems
through their eating habits. Anorexia can also be the delayed
result of unresolved conflicts or painful experiences from childhood.
What problems are
associated with anorexia?
There
are many side effects of anorexia nervosa. Girls with anorexia
usually stop having menstrual periods; this is a condition called
amenorrhea. Anorexia may lead to dry skin and thinning hair.
Anorexics may have a growth of fine hair all over their body
as a natural defense mechanism against extreme weight loss.
People suffering from anorexia may feel cold and are easily
susceptible to illness. Mood swings are typical. The National
Institute of Mental Health estimates that one in ten anorexic
cases ends in death from starvation, suicide or medical complications
like heart attacks or kidney failure. Physical problems also
include anemia, heart palpitations, bone loss, tooth decay,
as well as inflammation of the esophagus.
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What is the treatment
for anorexia?
Anorexia
is a mental problem manifested in a physical form. Treatment
for any eating disorder should include both a mental health
professional as well as a primary health care physician. Essential
components of successful treatments are ongoing medical care,
regular therapy, nutritional counseling, and possibly medication.
Eating disorders can be treated with antidepressants, however,
this is less effective for anorexia nervosa. Physicians help
monitor bone density loss and hear heart rhythm disturbances.
Psychologists help identify the important issues and replace
destructive thoughts and behaviors with more positive ones.
Support groups also play a role in treating anorexia. Often
groups of patients will meet weekly to discuss their fears and
help each other recover. Most cases of anorexia can be treated
successfully, but not instantly. For many patients, treatments
may need to be long-term.
What are
some of the warning signs of anorexia?
Possible
warning signs include:
Deliberate
self-starvation with weight loss
Intense
fear of gaining weight
Refusal
to eat
Denial
of hunger
Constant
exercising
Greater
amounts of hair on the body or the face
Sensitivity
to cold
Absent
or irregular periods
Loss
of scalp hair
A
self-perception of being fat when the person is already too
thin
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How can family and friends
help?
The
most important thing that family and friends can do to help
a person with anorexia is to unconditionally love them. Talk
to physicians and/or counselors for help in determining the
best way to approach and deal with the situation. People with
anorexia will beg and lie to avoid eating and gaining weight;
it means giving up the illness and giving up the control. Family
and friends should not give in to the pleadings of an anorexic
patient, but should not nag them incessantly. Anorexia is an
illness that can not be controlled by simple willpower - but
rather needs professional guidance. Most important, support
the individual without supporting their actions.
For more information . . .
You can find out more about eating disorders and other mental
disorders by contacting the following organizations:
National Mental Health Information Center, SAMHSA,
HHS
Phone: (800) 789-2647
Internet Address: http://www.mentalhealth.org/
Weight Control Information Network, NIDDK, NIH,
HHS
Phone: (877) 946-4627
Internet Address: http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/nutrit/win.htm
Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders,
Inc.
Phone: (541) 344-1144
Internet Address: http://www.anred.com/
National Eating Disorders Association.
Phone: (800) 931-2237
Internet Address: http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
This information was abstracted from fact sheets
prepared by the American Academy of Family Physicians and the
National Institute of Mental Health (Facts about Anorexia Nervosa).
