Know more about anorexia nervosa, its causes, symptoms, and treatment
Here is a guide for everybody to understand more about anorexia nervosa, its causes, symptoms and how to treat this disorder.
What is anorexia nervosa?
It is an eating disorder that happens among people who have intense fear of gaining weight. The person experiencing this might become dangerously thin, according to WebMD.
People with anorexia have less than normal weight, at the same time having an obsession with food. Those experiencing this disorder also have a negative body image. In some point, it can have fatal consequences.
Causes
Its exact cause is unknown. On the other hand, experts found out that this condition usually runs in families.
Factors that may contribute to anorexia are psychological, environmental, and social. Another factor that experts see is the “unconscious attempt to come to terms with unresolved conflicts or painful childhood experiences”.
Symptoms
Starvation is not just the symptom of anorexia nervosa. According to WebMD, here are the symptoms that can be found in a person experiencing this disorder:
- You don’t eat enough, so you’re underweight
- Your self-esteem is based on the way your body looks
- You are obsessed with and terrified of gaining weight
- It’s hard for you to sleep through the night
- Dizziness or fainting
- Your hair is falling out
- You no longer get your period
- Constipation
- You feel like your heart is beating in a strange way
- Dehydration
- Swollen arms or legs
Meanwhile, here are the warning signs:
- Constant worry about dieting, food, calories, and weight
- Complains a lot about being “fat”
- Refuses to eat whole groups of food, like carbohydrates
- Pretends you’re not hungry when really you are
- Sticks to a difficult exercise schedule
- Avoids friends and have no interest in your usual activities
- You lie about how much food you’ve eaten
- You check yourself in the mirror a lot
- Not wanting to eat in public
- You wear layers of clothes so people can’t see how much you weigh
Treatment
In treating a person with anorexia nervosa, psychological and physical problems must be addressed.
A mental health professional and a primary care doctor should lead the treatment. Continuous medical care, regular therapy, nutritional counseling, and sometimes medication can also help the patient. However, antidepressants are not always effective although some doctors are using this for anorexic patients.
Psychologists can focus on helping the patient in eliminating the harmful thoughts and behaviors while doctors should pay attention to bone loss, electrolyte levels in the blood, and heart function.
Don’t expect a person with anorexia nervosa to be well overnight. This requires long-term psychological and medical attention.
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