Anorexia nervosa is psychological disorder when a person wont eat and therefore loses more weight than is good for her or him.
The condition happens in between 5% and 10% of the population, mostly in adolescent girls and women, but one in ten sufferers are males even if this number is increasing fast.
The main element feature of Anorexia Nervosa is self imposed starvation because of a distorted body image.
Those effected have an irrational however intense fear of getting fat even though the situation has progressed up to now that theyre obviously emaciated.
Although anorexia means without appetite, anorexics are paradoxically often extremely hungry and rarely lose their appetite.
anorexia
Causes and Incidence of Anorexia
No direct causes happen to be isolated but genetic factors, social pressures equating slimness as a manifestation of beauty and psychological factors are already implicated.Associated conditions such as obsessive compulsive disorders, depression and anxiety in many cases are present as well.
Anorexia is fairly often observed in people who have cancer, specially in patients whove advanced cancer and in fact Anorexia is easily the most common cause of malnutrition in cancer patients.
Signs and Symptoms
A nearly morbid preoccupation about being fat and a recent weight reduction of 25% or more without physical causes, anger, ritualistic behaviour, amenorrhea, lack of libido, constant tiredness, sleep disturbances, constipation as well as an intolerance of cold conditions are suggestive of Anorexia.
Loss in fatty tissues and breast type tissue, blotchy and sallow skin, scalp problems and skeletal muscle atrophy are also indicators.
On examination, the heartbeat rate may be low and Bradycardia can also be present, salivary glands and bowels could be distended.
These physical symptoms are oddly often associated with excessive vigor and exercise.
Another rather paradoxical finding is an dependence on preparing and serving elaborate meals for some individuals.
Proper diagnosis of Anorexia
Anorexia is normally first diagnosed from the family physician but formal diagnosis is based on these standards;
eating disorders
* Refusal to keep bodyweight in a normal level for age and height, often falling to 15% or just as much as 25% below the norm.
* An intense anxiety about gaining weight or becoming fat despite the obvious underweight problem.
* A distorted perception of themselves shape.
* The lack of no less than 3 consecutive menstrual cycles.
Further tests can eliminate endocrine, metabolic and CNS abnormalities as well as cancer and other diseases implicated in physical wasting.
Treatment of Anorexia
After assessment by way of a team including physicians, dietitians and psychiatrists, the goal is always to promote putting on weight, control bulimia if there are any and see and address any underlying psychological problems.
Hospitalization are usually necessary, supplementation with nutritional supplements will likely be necessary and group or family psychotherapy is essential.
Mood altering medicines including tricyclic antidepressants and serotonin reuptake inhibitors are often prescribed but the evidence because of this kind of treatment methods are weak. Appetite stimulants may also be used.
Using acupunture patches to aid activate your bodys disease fighting capability and physical welfare has some possible benefits.
For treatment to reach your goals, the actual problems of low self esteem, anxiety and depression has to be addressed first.
An excellent regime may include;
* Hospitalization
* Psychiatric counselling
* The negotiation of your target weight and an adequate intake of food
* Supervision during meals
* Emotional support
* Group therapy
* Utilizing a food journal
* Advice for the family
While a fairly significant amount of anorexics could be successfully treated, especially in early cases, mortality is still from 5% to 15% approximately one third of deaths due to suicide.
