Anorexia Nervosa

[MAVI]

Anorexia Nervosa

'Anorexia nervosa' means 'loss of appetite for nervous reasons' but this is misleading because the person has, in fact, lost the ability to allow themselves to satisfy their appetite. They restrict the amount they eat and drink, sometimes to a dangerous level. They focus on food in an attempt to cope with life, rather than to starve to death. It is a way of demonstrating that they are in control of their body weight and shape. Ultimately, however, the illness itself takes control and the chemical changes in the body affect the brain and distort thinking, making it impossible for the person to make rational decisions about food. As the illness progresses, many people will suffer from the exhaustion of starvation. It is very rare, but occasionally people die from the effects of anorexia.


Signs of Anorexia: -

1. In adults, extreme weight loss
2. In children and teenagers, poor or inadequate weight gain in relation to their growth
3. Constipation and abdominal pains
4. Dizzy spells and fainting
5. Swollen stomach, face and ankles
6. Downy hair on the body; loss of hair on the head when recovering
7. Poor blood circulation and feeling cold
8. Dry, rough, discoloured skin
9. Disrupted menstrual cycles
10. In men, loss of libido
11. Loss of bone mass and, eventually osteoporosis (brittle bones)
12. Psychological signs of anorexia
13. Intense fear of gaining weight, even within the normal weight range according to height
14. Distorted perception of body shape or weight
15. Denial of the existence of a problem
16. Changes in personality and mood swings
17. Behavioural signs in anorexia
18. Rituals attached to eating, such as cutting food into tiny pieces
19. Secrecy
20. Restlessness and hyperactivity
21. Wearing big baggy clothes
22. Vomiting; taking laxatives


Long Term Effects

The long-term effects of anorexia on the body and mind can be alarming and severe. Women with anorexia tend to find it more difficult to become pregnant, and there is the possibility of developing osteoporosis later in life. Fortunately, many of these effects can be reversed - once the body receives proper and regular nourishment.

Once the person is on the path to recovery, it can take some weeks or months for the body and mind to re-adjust. Eating and drinking regularly can cause their body to become bloated temporarily. Personality and mood swings may also take a while to settle, depending on the emotional difficulties associated with anorexia. Anorexia and the family Anorexia not only affects the person with the disorder - the whole family is affected. Each family is different but some common trends have been identified.


Who Develops Anorexia

People who develop anorexia have usually been compliant and obedient children. They would be less likely to become angry than their brothers or sisters and would have been eager to please. They have often hidden their inner-feelings and anxieties. They fear failure and have an overwhelming desire to please and care for others. They are committed to achieving high standards set - or that they assume have been set - by parents or teachers. Often the high standards are self-imposed. Some families are so close and loving that the child finds it difficult to become independent. They may be fearful that they cannot manage on their own away from the family. Anorexia demonstrates independence through control over food and eating.


Source: Eating Disorder Association