Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa
Take the case of 17 year old Kerry, whose boyfriend casually mentioned to her that he is upset over her being overweight and that all his friends make fun of her. Kerry, who in reality was only chubby, was pretty hurt and started losing her self-esteem. She soon went into guilt pangs for being over-weight and went on a crash diet, skipping breakfast, having only a fruit or two for lunch and slice of bread for dinner. She was petrified of gaining weight and losing her boy friend. Slowly and gradually she became a victim of a disorder called anorexia nervosa.
The ideal image of a woman's body has changed radically in the past years. Like Kerry, most teenage girls struggle to feel good about their bodies. They tend to emulate models on glamorous magazine covers and hoardings without realizing the ill effects of it on their health.
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder centred of an obsessive fear of weight gain. Approximately 95 per cent of those affected by anorexia nervosa are female, but males can develop the disorder as well.
Causes:
Psychological factors such as fear of sexuality at this age. Past negative experiences, perceived loss of control in some aspect of life can lead to anorexia.
Families that are over-protective or focus on over-achievement can produce an anorexic family member.
Constantly criticizing one's own body and appearance combined with low self-esteem.
Societal pressures to look and behave in certain manner at an adolescent.
Certain personality traits like perfectionism, approval -seeking behavior, and obsessiveness are associated with this disorder.
There is a possibility of genetic pre-disposition that usually becomes apparent at the time of puberty.
Symptoms:
Excessive dieting, exercising usually beyond a reasonable control
Significant weight loss
Self-perception that is grossly distorted and weight loss that is not acknowledged
Avoidance of social gatherings where food is involved
Weighing oneself several times in the day and focusing on the smallest fluctuation
Misuse of laxatives, diuretics or enemas
Decrease in attention spans and concentration
Developing of food rituals that allow for eating very little, eating in secrecy, eating food in certain order, excessive chewing
Disturbed sleep leading to fatigue during the day
Effects:
Girls may experience loss on menstrual cycles (amenorrhea). Disturbances in the menstrual cycle can affect not only fertility but also bone density growth
Muscle loss and weakness
Lowered resistance
Digestive problems such as constipation
Severe dehydration, which can result in kidney failure
Feelings of guilt and depression
Isolation from friends and family
Brittle hair and nails
Dry and yellow skin
Mild anaemia, swollen joints and light-headiness
Overuse of laxatives
Changes in kidney function, resulting in potassium deficiency, increased or decreased urination
Treatment:
The primary goal is to ensure a person's physical health, which involves restoring a healthy weight. This may require hospitalisation.
Once the physical condition is stable, intensive psychotherapy needs to be put in place
Behavior therapy
Family therapy
About the Author:Ashley Green: for http://weightloss-health.com/ your complete and most comprehensive family guide on Health. Also get free tips and tricks on weight loss and a chance to go through other informative articles targetting various health issues at Healthy Weight Loss Programs. If you wish to reproduce the above article you are welcome to do so, provided the article is reproduced in its entirety, including this resource box and LIVE link to our website. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ashley_Green
