ANOREXIA

What is anorexia nervosa?

Anorexia is a general loss of appetite, or a loss of interest in food.

According to the National Library of Medicine1, anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that makes the patient lose more weight than is considered healthy for his or her height and age.

A person with anorexia disorder may be underweight, but still has an intense fear of putting on weight. They may do too much exercise, diet, use laxatives and other methods to get leaner.

Anorexia nervosa typically begins during a person's teenage years or early adulthood. It is the third most common chronic illness among teenagers.

ANAD2 (National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders) says that between 85% to 90% of all patients with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa are female.

Causes of anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa has no single cause. The National Health Service5, UK, says that the majority of experts believe the mental disorder is caused by a combination of biological, environmental and psychological factors.

Some individuals are thought to have personality traits which make them more susceptible to developing the disease.

Being underweight and not having a normal diet may have an effect on the brain which reinforces behaviors and obsessive thoughts related to anorexia nervosa. In other words, under-eating and being underweight can set off a cycle of further weight loss and under-eating.

The following risk factors have been associated with anorexia nervosa:

• Having a tendency towards depression.
• Being overly worried about one's weight and shape.
• Being excessively worried, doubtful and/or scared about the future.
• Having a negative self image.
• Having eating problems during early childhood or infancy.
• Having had an anxiety disorder during childhood.
• Holding specific cultural/social ideas regarding beauty and health.
• Inhibition - the individual restrains or controls his or her behavior and expression

Environmental factors

Environmental factors may include the hormonal changes that occur during puberty, plus feelings of anxiety, stress and low self-esteem. Many experts believe that some young females who in Western cultures are exposed to multiple messages through the media that being thin is beautiful, are more susceptible to developing anorexia nervosa. However, research carried out in the University of Granada, Spain, found the incidence of eating disorders was considerably higher among Muslim adolescents than their Christian peers.

Other environmental factors some experts believe may contribute include physical abuse, sexual abuse, issues with family relationships, being bullied, other school stress (e.g. exams), bereavement, and a stressful life event, such as the breakdown of a relationship or becoming unemployed.

Biological factors

According to NEDA6 (National Eating Disorders Association), studies are finding that in some people with eating disorders certain brain chemicals that control digestion, appetite and hunger may be unbalanced. Nobody is sure what the implications of this might be - further studies are underway to find out.

Experts believe susceptibility to eating disorders may be partly driven by a person's genes. In many cases, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and other eating disorders have been found to run in families.

1.  Recent developments on anorexia nervosa from MNT news

•  Distorted positive emotions about weight loss 'fuel anorexia'

Past research claims that negative emotions, such as feeling depressed or angry, can fuel anorexia nervosa. But a new study from Rutgers University in New Jersey finds the eating disorder can also be encouraged by "skewed" positive emotions, such as feeling pride after weight loss.

• Eating disorders could start as early as elementary school

Though eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia are typically associated with teenagers and young adults, researchers caution parents that children between 8 and 12 years old who are difficult eaters could have lurking psychological issues.

MNT. (2003) Anorexia Nervosa: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments. Recovered 2015, october 30. From http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/267432.php

Health Consequences Of Anorexia Nervosa

In order to deal with the effects of starvation, the body is forced to slow down all its processes and to find ways of conserving energy. The physical effects of starvation include:

Dehydration -> risk of kidney failure.

Muscle weakness -> risk of muscle loss.

Tiredness and overall weakness -> risk of fainting.

Abnormally slow heart rate and low blood pressure produces changes in the heart muscle -> risk of heart failure.

Loss of bone density resulting in dry, brittle bones (osteoporosis) -> risk of postural problems and risk of fracture.

Starvation also affects a person's thinking and behaviour. Poor nutrition and dehydration produce changes in brain chemistry. It is thought that these changes in brain chemistry contribute to sustain the distorted thinking, disturbed perception and obsession with food associated with anorexia. Intellectual ability can also be affected resulting in reduced concentration, poor memory, difficulties with abstract thinking, problem solving, decision making and planning. In some cases, these changes can also increase vulnerability to depression, anxiety and other psychiatric disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder. If the depression is severe, there is a risk of suicide.

Other means of weight control such as self-induced vomiting, use of laxatives or diuretics and excessive exercise can also have very serious health consequences and can have a significant impact on a person's capacity to function effectively.

Bone health needs to be monitored and advice should be sought from a professional on how best to manage nutrition and exercise to facilitate the restoration of bone health. A DEXA scan will give a clear assessment of bone density and indicate what kind of treatment is required and how best to protect oneself against further loss.

Whys, B. (199). What is anorexia nervosa?. Recovered 2015, october 30. From http://www.bodywhys.ie/aboutED/anorexia/

personal opinion

The consequences in our body may be minimal if treated early, but if the patient has said trast0orno not ask for help or do not follow the treatment as it can decay your health and can even lead to death.