Anorexia nervosa

Antrea Shana Harris

Health-PE 122
Mr.Willie Mcgowan
October 13, 2014

Anorexia Nervosa is a disorder in which an individual starves them self, characterized by the refusal to consume adequate food or loss of appetite, and therefore endangers their health that originates from emotional or psychological causes. Anorexia nervosa (“nervous anorexia”) is an eating disorder that is characterized by a loss of appetite that endangers an individual’s health that originates from emotional or psychological causes. Under certain circumstances, anorexia nervosa may develop because of a physical disease or conditions, such as shock, nausea and allergic reactions. The signs and symptoms of anorexia include but are not limited to dramatic weight loss, refusal to maintain minimum body weight that is normal for their age and height, consuming a specific selection of foods like those low in fat and calories. Also avoiding food in social situations like cooking, social events, and making up excuses for their refusal to eat. In addition, another sign is frequently focusing on preoccupations with their body image and weight and constantly in pursuit for flaws. Their distorted body image that they have of themselves is apparent in statements about being overweight even though they are thin. Focusing on an excessive exercise regimen and wearing baggy clothes are also signs. In females, a symptom of anorexia is missing three consecutive menstrual periods and in males a decrease in sexual desire. The types of anorexia depend on whether it is combined with bulimia, and they are classified as classic anorexia and binge eating and purging anorexia. Classic anorexia or restricting anorexia is when an individual consumes small amounts of food and experiences weight loss by either self-starvation or excessive exercise. The amount of calories consumed is insufficient to support the activities and functions of the body. Binge eating and purging anorexia consists of self-induced regurgitation, abuse of diuretics, enemas, or laxatives and additionally cutting calories. Statistics state that about 50% of people with anorexia develop bulimia. The physical effects of anorexia that may occur are hair loss, lowered resistance to illnesses, hypersensitivity to heat, decreased need for sleep, fatigue and weakness, and kidney failure due to severe dehydration. In cases where effects are advanced consist of anemia, heart problems, decreased heart rate, low blood pressure, low body temperature, deficient circulation, underdevelopment and death. The emotional and behavioral effects of anorexia include bad memory, depression and irritability. In addition, the following effects include difficulty concentrating on a subject other than weight, isolation from social interaction with loved ones, emotional regression, feeling guilty, and use of alcohol or drugs to compensate for a pessimistic perspective. The cause of anorexia is indefinite but research acknowledges the fact that an array of risk factors contributes to the cause. In a culture that advocates the ideal woman to be thin and that to be thin is to be beautiful and successful, those who do not fit that criteria are burdened to meet that societal expectation of them as a woman. Furthermore, those who are currently considered “thin” are pressured to maintain their “thinness”. The causes and risk factors include social and cultural, psychological and emotional, and biological influences. Those who pursue societal approval may starve themselves in order to reach that ideal image or weight and jeopardize their health because they devalue their perception and rarity. However, anorexia is not a modern disorder, so make note that cultural ideas are not the sole contributing factor.
An individual’s psychological and emotional aspect, like emotions, personality traits and history can promote anorexia. Characteristics linked to anorexia involve perfectionism, obsessiveness, approval-seeking, low self-esteem, withdrawal, irritability, and black-or-white (all-or-nothing) thinking” Traumatic events, dramatic emotional changes and physical and sexual abuse, can play a role in developing anorexia. Other triggers entail but are not limited to the following: difficulty with relationships, anxiety, ADHD and depression. The biology and psychology of the brain can be affected by trauma from early life or “developmental trauma”. Indications of trauma include self-esteem issues and obsessive-compulsive disorder. If an individual has felt feelings of being overwhelmed and powerless, this might invite the notion of trying to gain control in other aspects of life later on through their life. Furthermore, it is unclear of whether an increased level of serotonin, which compels social withdrawal and decrease cravings for food, is a result or a cause of anorexia, also being susceptible to anorexia may perhaps be related to genetics. The diagnosis of anorexia first takes place with a consultation of a doctor. Firstly, they rule out lack of consumption of food and any endocrine, metabolic and central nervous system disorders that do not indicate one’s weight loss. Additionally, they evaluate any bodily damage through tests, procedures, and review of physical history. The tests are as followed physical examination, blood panel, urinalysis, electrocardiogram, x-ray, and a psychological evaluation. The diagnosis of anorexia entail being 15% underweight for one’s weight and age group, fear of gaining weight and being overweight, misconstrued body image and denial of currently being underweight and lastly missing three consecutive menstrual periods. The general treatments for anorexia range, due to the individuals particular symptoms and a key role in therapy for anorexia is psychotherapy because it identifies and treats the problem at hand and helps diminish phobias and practice newfound capabilities. Keep in mind that a therapist goes about treating anorexia according to their methodology, for example a psychotherapist conducts a group therapy discussion with other suffers of anorexia to diminish feelings of isolation and to help provide the support in order to regain one’s health. Other types of therapy are cognitive behavior therapy, behavior therapy, family therapy, and support groups. Each of these therapies addresses a conflict that contributed to one’s tribulation with anorexia and helps one recognize the harmful behavior one has incorporated into one’s life and lastly encourages a change of behavior for the betterment of one’s health. Along with therapy, medical attention and nutritional counseling are included in the rehabilitation process for anorexia. Throughout the course of treatment, the physical ramifications of anorexia will be evaluated by a medical doctor, which consist of vital signs, hydration level, and electrolytes. A balanced diet according to one’s specific needs, in order to gain weight, is constructed by a dietitian. In combination with therapy, medication can be prescribed by a medical doctor or psychiatrist to help cope with the symptoms of anorexia, for example, antidepressants can be prescribed to alleviate depression and anxiety. In addition, other medications prescribed focus to increase one’s weight and to decrease obsessive-compulsive behaviors. Recommendations of residential and inpatient treatment by a medical doctor are given if the physical and psychological problems are severe and may take place in a hospital setting or eating disorder treatment center and of course include outpatient treatment for anorexia.

Bibliography page

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