What is Anorexia Nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa is a disorder in which the patient has a constant fear of gaining weight. People who suffer from this emotional disorder have a fear of gaining weight even though they are underweight. This causes them to exercise excessively or use other methods (such as laxatives, and vomiting after eating) to lose weight.
There are two types of anorexia nervosa:-
1. Restricted Anorexia
2. Overeating Anorexia
Restricted Anorexia:- Persons suffering from restricted anorexia put extreme restrictions on their food and drink. These people always worry about their calories and such people also keep counting calories. While keeping a distance from the diet, such people depend exclusively on the carbohydrate content. Such people also exercise excessively.
Excessive eating anorexia:- Such people also put restrictions on their eating habits. But, eating excessive food while eating does not hold back. But, such people also vomit after eating. Without paying attention, such people gradually start falling mentally ill.
Is anorexia nervosa a common disease?
Anorexia nervosa is more common in women than in men. It often begins during puberty. Anorexia nervosa can cause very low body weight. It can be life-threatening if not treated in time. Please consult your doctor for more details.
What are the symptoms of anorexia nervosa?
What are the symptoms of anorexia nervosa? like:
- Fear of gaining weight or becoming fat even if you are underweight.
- Forced vomiting.
- Taking diet pills
- Eating very little or not eating for fear of gaining weight.
- Exercising too much even after being hurt or tired.
- Counting calories.
Anorexia can also have bad psychological effects on a person. Such people may talk about weight and food all the time, can't eat in front of others, get moody or depressed, or don't want to go out with friends. People with anorexia may also have other mental and physical illnesses, including:
- depression
- Worry
- excessive dryness of the mouth
- heart or brain problems
- extreme sensitivity to cold
Some of the above symptoms may not be included. If you have any doubts about any of the symptoms, please consult a doctor.
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When should I see the doctor?
If you or any family member experience these symptoms or have any questions, please consult your doctor. Anorexia can be life-threatening if the body weight is too low. Most people with an eating disorder resist treatment because they think they don't have a problem. Always support them and assure them that they have a problem and need treatment.
What causes anorexia?
The exact cause of anorexia nervosa is not yet known. There can be many reasons for this disease such as depression or other mental illness. Genes and hormones can also be responsible for this disease.
What factors increase the risk of anorexia nervosa?
Genetic- Certain genetic changes put some people at a higher risk of developing anorexia disorder.
Low self-esteem- A person suffering from anorexia does not like himself. They do not like their physical appearance and feel hopeless. They try in every way to look good.
Life changes or stressful events- Traumatic events (such as rape) as well as stressful events can trigger the onset of anorexia.
Influence of social media – The success and popularity of slim models seen on TV, Internet and print media (newspapers and fashion magazines) may also lead to this disorder. Actually, seeing such photos, the person makes every effort to look like him.
How is anorexia nervosa diagnosed?
The doctor diagnoses this disorder by physical examination, laboratory test, etc. No specific test exists for anorexia.
Does anyone in your family suffer from a food disorder?
If the doctor finds signs of anorexia disorder, he or she may order a few more tests. These tests include-
- albumin
- Bone density test for thin bones (osteoporosis)
- CBC
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
- electrolytes
- kidney function test
- protein test
- thyroid test
- urine test
How is anorexia nervosa treated?
The biggest challenge in treating anorexia nervosa is to make the person aware of his illness. People with anorexia deny that they have a disorder. Treatment for this disorder may include:
Talk therapy is used for younger patients or people with the disorder for some time to encourage them to eat a healthy diet.
- cognitive therapy
- group therapy
- family therapy
Medications such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers may help some anorexic patients. These drugs can help treat depression or anxiety. However, these drugs do not help reduce the desire to lose weight.
What physical problems can aggravate the cause of anorexia nervous
Anorexia nervosa can cause the following physical problems::
- heart problem
- low blood pressure
- having anemia
- bowel problems
- frequent urination
- hormonal problem
