We Know: All About Anorexia What is anorexia? Anorexia nervosa (anorexia) is an eating disorder where an individual fails to maintain a normal body weight out of fear of being obese. The individual severely restricts his or her dietary intake out of this fear. The disorder manifests itself during adolescence and early adulthood, culminating in severe health problems or even death if left untreated. According to the National Institute of Health, approximately 1 to 2% of the female population in the United States suffers from this disorder, while another 0.1 to 0.2% of males suffer from anorexia. What causes anorexia? Experts have not isolated the exact causes of anorexia; however, experts do know that anorexia takes place during adolescence and early adulthood and that the primary causes appear to be societal attitudes on appearances. Anorexia has been labeled as a psychological and mental disorder that occurs predominantly in Caucasian women who are driven, goal-oriented, high achievers. What are the symptoms of anorexia? According to the National Health Institute, the symptoms commonly associated with anorexia include: Weight loss of 15% or greater below the accepted minimum body weight for an individual. Using laxatives, enemas, or water pills to induce weight loss. Infrequent or absent menstrual periods (amenorrhea). Increases in dental cavities caused by excessive vomiting. Blotchy or yellow-tinged skin. Denial of disease by the individual. Decreased production of growth hormones, estrogen, and calcium which could lead to bone loss and osteoporosis. Restrictions on dietary intake. How is anorexia diagnosed? If an individual is suspected of having anorexia, the doctor must perform tests that rule out other conditions that could induce weight loss. Once these conditions have been ruled out, the doctors may perform the following tests: Chem-20 Urinalysis Thyroid function tests Blood/urine tests ECG GnRH tests How is anorexia treated? Treating anorexia involves getting the individual to recognize that the disease exists. Once this process has occurred, the next steps involve nursing the person back to health by getting the person back to his or her normal body weight. Specialists then work on the underlying psychological problems that cause anorexia. Long term treatment may also be required as relapse is common. By the time anorexia is diagnosed, the condition is in an advanced stage. This means that hospital stays and intravenous feedings are required to restore the person back to health. Unfortunately, approximately 10% of all anorexia cases end in death. Are there complications to anorexia? The possible complications that may occur in individuals suffering from anorexia include: Cardiovascular shock Malnutrition Cardiac arrhythmia Appearance of baby-like body hair on the body Seizures Irregular pulse Tooth decay Increased infections due to lowered immunity Bloating and constipation Osteoporosis How does one prevent the occurrence of anorexia? Maintaining realistic expectations of body weight and diet is key to preventing anorexia.
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Common misspellings of anorexia: anerexia