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Anorexia nervosa, often known as anorexia, is a type of eating illness characterized by an abnormally low body weight, an excessive fear of gaining weight, and a skewed sense of weight. Anorexics place a high emphasis on managing their weight and shape, putting in excessive efforts that drastically disrupt their lives.
People suffering from anorexia frequently severely restrict their food intake in order to avoid or maintain weight loss. They may limit their calorie intake by vomiting after eating or abusing laxatives, diet supplements, diuretics, or enemas. They may also try to shed weight by overexercising. No matter how much weight is dropped, the person is still afraid of gaining weight.
Anorexia isn't just about dieting. It's a dangerous and occasionally fatal approach to deal with emotional problems. When you suffer from anorexia, you frequently associate thinness with self-worth.
Anorexia, like other eating disorders, has the potential to take over your life and be extremely difficult to overcome. However, with treatment, you can rediscover your identity, resume healthier eating habits, and cure some of anorexia's significant problems.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ANOREXIA NERVOSA?
Anorexia nervosa's physical indications and symptoms are related to malnutrition. Anorexia is also characterized by mental and behavioral difficulties such as an inaccurate sense of body weight and an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat.
It may be difficult to detect signs and symptoms because what constitutes a low body weight varies from person to person, and some people may not appear particularly thin. Furthermore, people suffering from anorexia frequently conceal their thinness, eating habits, or physical difficulties.
Physical signs and symptoms
Physical manifestations of anorexia may include:
- Excessive weight loss or failure to make planned developmental weight gains
- slim physique
- Blood counts that are abnormal
- Hair that is thinning, breaking, or falling out
- The body is covered in soft, downy hair.
- Cold intolerance
- Heart rhythm irregularities
- Low blood pressure
- Dehydration
- Absence of menstruation
- Constipation and abdominal discomfort
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Fainting or dizziness
- Fingers with bluish discolouration
- Skin that is dry or yellowish
- Arm and leg swelling
- Teeth erosion and calluses on the knuckles as a result of induced vomiting
Some persons with anorexia binge and purge, similar to those with bulimia. However, those with anorexia typically have an abnormally low body weight, whereas people with bulimia are frequently normal to above-normal weight.
Behavioral and emotional symptoms
Anorexia behavioral symptoms may include attempts to lose weight by:
- Dieting or fasting, which severely restricts food consumption
- Excessive exercise
- Binge eating and self-induced vomiting to get rid of food, which may include the use of laxatives, enemas, diet supplements, or herbal remedies
Among the emotional and behavioral indications and symptoms are:
- Preoccupation with food, which sometimes includes preparing extravagant meals for others but not consuming them.
- Skipping meals or refusing to eat on a regular basis
- Making reasons for avoiding eating or denying hunger
- Consuming only a few "safe" foods, typically ones low in fat and calories
- Adopting restrictive meal or eating routines, such as throwing out food after chewing
- Reluctant to eat in public
- Lying about how much food was consumed
- gloomy mood (lack of emotion)
- Social isolation
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Reduced sexual interest
- Fear of gaining weight, which may entail weighing or measuring the body repeatedly
- Checking in the mirror frequently for perceived defects
- Complaining about being obese or having fat portions of the body
- Putting on layers of clothing
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF ANOREXIA NERVOSA?
Anorexia's actual cause is unknown. As with many disorders, it is most likely the result of a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental variables.
Biological: Although it is unclear which genes are involved, genetic abnormalities may put some people at a higher risk of developing anorexia. Some people may be predisposed to perfectionism, sensitivity, and tenacity, all of which are related with anorexia.
Psychological: Some anorexics may have obsessive-compulsive personality traits that make it easier to stick to rigid diets and avoid food even when they are hungry. They may have a strong desire for perfection, which leads them to believe they are never skinny enough. They may also experience significant levels of anxiety and engage in restrictive eating to alleviate it.
Environmental: Thinness is valued in modern Western culture. Being slim is frequently associated with success and worth. Peer pressure, particularly among young girls, may contribute to the desire to be skinny.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR ANOREXIA NERVOSA?
Anorexia is more common in females. However, eating disorders among boys and men are on the rise, probably as a result of increased social pressures.
Teenagers are also more prone to anorexia. People of any age can acquire this eating disorder, while it is more common in those over the age of 40. Teens may be particularly vulnerable due to the physical changes that occur during puberty. They may also be subjected to heightened peer pressure and be more sensitive to criticism or even casual remarks about their weight or physical shape.
Anorexia can be caused by a number of reasons, including:
- Genetics: Changes in specific genes may increase the risk of anorexia in some persons. Those who have a first-degree family with the condition — a parent, sibling, or kid — are at a substantially higher risk of developing the disorder.
- Dieting and starvation: Dieting increases the likelihood of having an eating disorder. Many of the symptoms of anorexia are actually indicators of malnutrition, according to research. Starvation has an effect on the brain, influencing mood changes, rigidity of thought, anxiety, and hunger reduction. In sensitive individuals, starvation and weight loss may alter the way the brain functions, perpetuating restrictive eating practices and making it difficult to return to regular eating habits.
- Transitions: Change can cause mental stress and raise the risk of anorexia, whether it's a new school, house, or job; a relationship split; or the loss or illness of a loved one.
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF ANOREXIA NERVOSA?
Anorexia can lead to a variety of consequences. It can be lethal in its most extreme form. Even if a person is not very underweight, death might occur abruptly. This could be due to abnormal cardiac rhythms (arrhythmias) or an electrolyte imbalance – minerals like sodium, potassium, and calcium that help maintain fluid balance in your body.
Other anorexic complications include:
- Anemia
- Muscle atrophy
- Absence of a menstruation in females
- Reduced testosterone in guys
- Heart issues such as mitral valve prolapse, irregular heart rhythms, and heart failure
- Increased risk of fractures due to bone loss (osteoporosis).
- Constipation, bloating, or nausea are examples of gastrointestinal issues.
- Electrolyte imbalances, such as low blood potassium, sodium, and chloride levels
- Kidney issues
If a person with anorexia becomes severely malnourished, every organ in the body, including the brain, heart, and kidneys, might be affected. Even after the anorexia is under control, this harm may be irreversible.
Anorexics frequently have various mental health concerns in addition to the aforementioned physical complications. They could include:
- Anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders
- Personality disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorders
- Misuse of alcohol and other drugs
- Suicidal ideation or attempt, self-injury
HOW IS ANORREXIA NERVOSA DIAGNOSED?
If your doctor suspects you have anorexia nervosa, he or she will usually do a battery of tests and exams to assist narrow down a diagnosis, rule out medical causes for your weight loss, and look for any associated consequences.
These exams and tests typically involve the following:
- Physical exam: This may include measuring your height and weight, checking your vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature, looking for abnormalities with your skin and nails, listening to your heart and lungs, and examining your abdomen.
- Lab tests: A complete blood count (CBC) and more specialized blood tests to examine electrolytes and protein, as well as the function of your liver, kidney, and thyroid, may be performed. A urinalysis may also be performed.
- Psychological evaluation: A doctor or mental health expert will almost certainly inquire about your thoughts, feelings, and eating patterns. You may also be requested to complete questionnaires for psychological self-assessment.
- Other studies: X-rays may be done to assess your bone density, to look for stress fractures or fractured bones, or to rule out pneumonia or heart problems. Electrocardiograms may be performed to detect heart irregularities.
Your mental health practitioner may also utilize the diagnostic criteria for anorexia in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR ANOREXIA NERVOSA?
Anorexia is typically treated as a team effort involving doctors, mental health professionals, and nutritionists with experience in eating disorders. Ongoing therapy and nutrition instruction are critical for long-term healing.
Here's a look at some of the most frequent treatments for anorexia.
Hospitalization and other programs
If your life is in urgent danger, you may require treatment in a hospital emergency department for conditions such as heart rhythm problems, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or a psychiatric emergency. Medical issues, serious behavioral difficulties, severe starvation, or persistent refusal to eat may necessitate hospitalization.
Some clinics specialize in the treatment of persons suffering from eating disorders. Instead of full hospitalization, they may offer day programs or residential programs. Specialized eating disorder treatment programs may provide more intensive care over a longer length of time.
Medical care
Because of the numerous difficulties caused by anorexia, you may require frequent monitoring of vital signs, hydration, and electrolytes, as well as other physical disorders. In severe situations, patients suffering from anorexia may first require feeding through a tube inserted through their nose and leading to their stomach (nasogastric tube).
Care is typically coordinated by a primary care doctor or a mental health specialist, with assistance from additional providers.
Getting back to a healthy weight
The first goal of treatment is to regain a healthy weight. Anorexia cannot be overcome until you return to a healthy weight and learn correct eating. Participants in this procedure may include:
- Your primary care physician, who can give medical care as well as monitor your calorie intake and weight gain.
- A psychologist or other mental health expert who can help you establish behavioral strategies to help you regain control of your weight.
- A dietician, who can help you get back into regular eating habits by giving specific meal plans and calorie requirements that will help you accomplish your weight objectives.
- Your family, who will most likely assist you in maintaining normal eating habits.
Psychotherapy
Anorexia may benefit from the following types of therapy:
Family-centered therapy: This is the only evidence-based treatment for anorexic youngsters. Because the teenager with anorexia is unable to make good eating and health choices while suffering from this critical condition, this therapy mobilizes parents to assist their child with re-feeding and weight restoration until the child is able to make excellent health choices.
Individual therapy: Cognitive behavioral treatment, specifically enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy, has been demonstrated to benefit adults. The primary goal is to normalize eating habits and behaviors in order to promote weight gain. The second purpose is to assist in the modification of incorrect beliefs and thoughts that maintain restrictive eating.
Medications
There are no drugs approved to treat anorexia because none have been shown to be effective. Antidepressants and other psychiatric drugs, on the other hand, can help treat other mental health conditions you may have, such as depression or anxiety.
Anorexia treatment difficulties
One of the most difficult aspects of treating anorexia is that people may refuse therapy. Treatment barriers may include:
- You believe you do not require treatment.
- Fear of gaining weight
- Anorexia is viewed as a lifestyle choice rather than a disease.
People suffering from anorexia can recover. They are, nevertheless, more likely to relapse during times of intense stress or in triggering events. Continuing treatment or regular appointments during stressful times may help you stay healthy.
HOME REMEDIES FOR ANOREXIA NERVOSA
It can be tough to adequately care for oneself when you have anorexia. In addition to expert treatment, do the following steps:
- Maintain your treatment plan. Don't skip therapy appointments, and try not to deviate from food plans, even if it's difficult.
- Consult your doctor about the best vitamin and mineral supplements for you. If you're not eating healthily, your body may not be getting all of the nutrients it need, such as Vitamin D or iron. However, taking the majority of your vitamins and minerals from food is usually advised.
- Don't distance yourself from loving family and friends who want to see you succeed. Recognize that they have your best interests in mind.
- Resist the impulse to weigh yourself or check yourself in the mirror on a regular basis. These may only serve to fuel your desire to sustain harmful behaviours.