The eating disorder anorexia nervosa is characterized by a fear of gaining weight and distorted perceptions of body size and shape. Anorexics restrict their food intake, exercise excessively, or use other methods to lose weight, such as vomiting or taking laxatives, in an effort to lose weight. It is possible for anorexics to suffer serious physical and mental consequences.
Anorexia nervosa may be caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. Some possible causes are:
There is a genetic predisposition for some people to develop anorexia nervosa due to their genes or family history of eating disorders.
People with anorexia nervosa may have low self-esteem, perfectionism, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive tendencies that make them more susceptible to developing an unhealthy relationship with food.
It is possible that people with anorexia nervosa are influenced by media, fashion, and entertainment industries that promote unrealistic and idealized standards of beauty and thinness. Additionally, these standards or goals or expectations may be imposed on them by peers, family, or society.
People suffering from anorexia nervosa may experience stressful or traumatic events that trigger or worsen their eating disorder, such as abuse, bullying, loss, divorce, or illness.
The symptoms of anorexia nervosa may vary from person to person, but they generally include:
Extreme weight loss or failure to gain weight as expected
Fear of gaining weight or being fat, even when underweight
Distorted body image or denial of the seriousness of the condition
Obsession with food, calories, weight, and appearance
Restriction of food intake or avoidance of certain foods or food groups
Excessive exercise or physical activity
Use of laxatives, diuretics, diet pills, or other methods to lose weight
Irregular or absent menstrual periods in females
Low blood pressure, pulse, or body temperature
Dry skin, hair loss, or brittle nails
Fatigue, weakness, or dizziness
Mood swings, depression, anxiety, or irritability
Social withdrawal, isolation, or secrecy
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
The diagnosis of anorexia nervosa is based on the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which are:
Restriction of energy intake relative to requirements, leading to a significantly low body weight in the context of age, sex, developmental trajectory, and physical health.
Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, or persistent behavior that interferes with weight gain, even though at a significantly low weight.
Disturbance in the way in which one’s body weight or shape is experienced, undue influence of body weight or shape on self-evaluation, or persistent lack of recognition of the seriousness of the current low body weight.
Other medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, diabetes, or cancer, must also be excluded from a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa. As well as the severity of the condition, based on the body mass index (BMI) of the individual, anorexia nervosa can be diagnosed based on the type of weight-control behavior, such as restricting or binge-eating and purging.
Anorexia nervosa treatment aims to restore the person's physical and mental health, normalize their eating patterns and behaviors, and address the underlying causes and consequences of the disorder.
Medical care: People with anorexia nervosa may need medical attention to treat the complications of malnutrition, such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, heart problems, or osteoporosis. Additionally, they may need medication to treat co-occurring mental disorders like depression, anxiety, and osteoporosis.
A registered dietitian or nutritionist can help people with anorexia nervosa develop a meal plan that meets their nutritional needs and preferences, as well as monitor their progress and recovery.
In addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), family-based therapy (FBT), and interpersonal therapy (IPT), people with anorexia nervosa may also benefit from various forms of psychotherapy. In addition to improving their self-esteem, coping skills, and interpersonal relationships, they can identify and challenge their distorted thoughts and beliefs about food, weight, and body image.
People with anorexia nervosa may benefit from the support and encouragement of others who have experienced or recovered from eating disorders, such as in online or in-person groups, forums, or communities.
Different settings may be used to treat anorexia nervosa, depending on its severity and the needs of the patient. The intensive and supervised medical and psychological care some people need may require hospitalization or residential care. While living at home or in a supportive environment, others may receive outpatient care, where they can visit their doctors regularly.
The prevention of anorexia nervosa may not be possible in all cases, but there are some steps that can be taken to reduce the risk or impact of the disorder, such as:
Having a positive and realistic body image and self-esteem, and refraining from comparing or criticizing one's own or others' appearance, weight, or shape.
Avoiding restriction, deprivation, or bingeing of food, or dieting, fasting, or weight-loss products, and developing a healthy relationship with food and eating.
If you or someone else are experiencing signs or symptoms of anorexia nervosa or other eating disorders, seek help from a trusted person or a professional.
Raising awareness about anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders, as well as diagnosing, treating, and preventing them.
