Anorexia nervosa, commonly referred to as anorexia, is an eating disorder characterized by self-restriction of energy intake, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image. Individuals with anorexia nervosa often see themselves as overweight, even when they are underweight or of normal weight. People with anorexia nervosa may diet or exercise excessively, or use other methods to restrict energy intake. The disorder typically begins during adolescence, but it can develop at any age.
Table of Contents
What is Anorexia nervosa
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe, life-threatening eating disorder that typically strikes during the teen years or early adulthood. Someone with anorexia nervosa may restrict the number of calories and the types of food she or he eats. The person may also exercise excessively, purge after eating (by self-induced vomiting or overuse of laxatives or diuretics), and/or obsess about weight loss. AN not only affects a person’s physical health but also disrupts her or his emotional well-being and Interpersonal relationships.
Anorexia nervosa, also called anorexia, is an eating disorder that can result in severe weight loss. People with anorexia nervosa may have an intense fear of gaining weight and may severely restrict the amount of food they eat. Anorexia nervosa affects people of all ages but is most common in adolescent girls and young women. People with anorexia nervosa may also exercise excessively, purging by vomiting or using laxatives.
Anorexia nervosa symptoms
The disorder of anorexia nervosa is complicated. Significant weight loss or low body weight is the primary indicator of a trustworthy source. Even after experiencing significant weight loss, a person with atypical anorexia nervosa may still be of average weight.
Other physical symptoms and indicators associated with nutritional deficiency include:
significant muscle mass loss
listlessness, tiredness, or fatigue
reduced blood pressure
dizziness or lightheadedness
body temperature that is low with freezing hands and feet, or perhaps hypothermia
dry skin bloated or disturbed stomach
enlarged hands and feet
hair fall
lack of menstruation or fewer periods on a regular basis
infertility\insomnia
bone density reduction raises the possibility of fractures
broken nails
constipation
aberrant or erratic heartbeats
lanugo, that’s okay body hair that is downy, plus more facial hair
Anorexia nervosa causes
Anorexia nervosa frequently includes concerns about body weight and form, however, these issues may not always be the root of the disease. The actual cause of the illness is unknown, although experts believe that genetic, environmental, biological, and other factors may be to blame.
This can emerge for some people as a means of taking charge of a certain area of their lives. Since exercising control over one’s eating behaviour seems successful, the behavior is maintained.
Diagnosis
The likelihood of a successful outcome is increased by quick diagnosis and treatment. The patient may be questioned by the doctor to learn more about their eating habits, weight, and general state of mental and physical health.
They could request testing to rule out underlying medical diseases such as hormone imbalances, cancer, and malabsorption that have similar signs and symptoms.
This might involve more than just a physical examination. Reliable Source:
blood tests, including complete blood counts, coagulation tests, and metabolic profiles that are in-depth
testing urine
an imaging test for an electrocardiogram, such as a computed tomography (CT) scan or a bone density scan
In order to identify whether a person satisfies the diagnostic criteria for this, a psychological assessment is also required.
Treatment and recovery
A thorough plan will be created by a healthcare expert to accommodate the individual’s unique needs.
It will involve a group of experts who can assist the person in overcoming their current social, emotional, psychological, and physical obstacles.
strategies consist of:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can assist the individual in discovering new ways to think, behave, and manage stress, family and individual counseling, as necessary, nutritional therapy, which offers guidance on using food to build and maintain health, medication to treat depression and anxiety, supplements to make up for nutritional deficiencies, and hospital treatment, occasionally.
Conclusion
Anorexia nervosa, typically called anorexia, is an eating disorder characterized by self-starvation and excessive weight loss. The disorder often begins during adolescence or young adulthood and has been associated with psychological and physical changes. Individuals with anorexia generally restrict the number of calories and the types of food they eat. Some people with the disorder also exercise obsessively or use other methods to lose weight, such as vomiting or taking laxatives.