Description

Anorexia (an-o-REK-see-uh) nervosa-often simply called anorexia, is a treatable illness eating disorder in which people have a low body weight based on a personal weight history. Although many people with anorexia look very thin, some of you may not look thin, and others may look overweight. But in reality they have lost weight or not gain weight as needed.

People who have anorexia often have a strong fear of weight gain and may think that they are overweight, even when they are thin. To prevent weight gain or to continue losing weight, people with anorexia often limit the amount or type of food they eat. They place a high value on controlling their weight and shape, and using extreme efforts that can be of great harm to their lives.

Anorexia can cause changes in the brain due to lack of nutrition, also called malnutrition. This is when people do not get the nutrients that your body needs to stay healthy. So that is not an option to follow the risky and harmful behavior.

If left untreated, the loss of weight can reach a point where people with anorexia are at high risk of serious bodily injury or death. Anorexia has the second-highest mortality rate of any mental illness, only surpassed by overdose of opioids. The majority of deaths related to anorexia are derived from the conditions of the heart and suicide.

Anorexia, like other eating disorders, can take over the life of the people and be very difficult to overcome. Because it is related to the changes in the brain, anorexia behaviors are not options, and the disease is not really about the food or looking a certain way. With a proven treatment, people with anorexia can return to a healthy weight, develop more balanced eating habits and reverse some of anorexia serious medical and mental health complications.

Symptoms

The physical and behavioral symptoms of anorexia nervosa refers to how hunger affects the brain. It can be difficult to realize the symptoms, because what is seen as a low body weight is different for each person. Some people with anorexia may not seem to be very thin. Also, people tend to hide their thinness, eating habits, or physical problems.

Physical symptoms

The physical symptoms of anorexia nervosa may include irregular heart rhythms, low blood pressure and dehydration. Dehydration happens when the body does not have enough water and other fluids to carry out its normal functions. Your fingers may look blue, and you can have dry skin. You may notice a change in skin color, such as yellow discoloration of the skin. You can have the hair that thins, breaks or falls. You can also have smooth, silky hair that covers its body.

Other physical symptoms include:

  • Extreme weight loss or not making expected weight according to the age.
  • Is very tired and weak.
  • Dizziness or fainting.
  • Having difficulty with defecation and have stomach pain.
  • Is not able to cope with the cold, or the sensation of cold when others feel good.
  • Swelling of the arms or legs.
  • Wear of the teeth and calluses on the knuckles of the fingers cause you to vomit.
  • Stomach pains.
  • Never the feeling of hunger, or the feeling of being hungry and full immediately after eating a very small portion.
  • Having trouble concentrating or focusing.
  • Under state of mind.
  • Increased anxiety.
  • Stress fractures or bone mass reduction.

If you're a woman and not taking a contraceptive, you may not have menstrual periods.

Emotional and behavioral symptoms

You can have an extreme attention to food. Sometimes, this includes cooking for others, but don't eat these foods. Can skipping meals or refusing to eat. You also can severely limit the amount of food you eat, through diet or fasting, did not admit to being hungry, or excuses for not eating.

When you eat, you can eat only a couple of certain "safe" foods, often, foods that are low in fat and calories. You can also focus too much on eating "clean" or healthy and stop eating certain types of food in a way that has not been recommended by a healthcare professional. You can take in rigid food or eating habits, such as spitting the food after chewing. You may not want to eat in public. You can also lying about the amount of food I have ever eaten.

You can have a form of anorexia where binge eating and purging as with bulimia. Binge eating is when you feel like you can't control what or how much to eat. Binge eating can be at times large quantities of food. But in general, if you have the binge eating-purging type of anorexia, eating much less than what you need. The purges are to make yourself vomit, or improper use of enemas, laxatives, diuretics, diet, herbal, or products to get rid of the food that you ate. Lose a lot of weight and very low body weight, in comparison with its weight in the story.

Other emotional and behavioral symptoms of anorexia may include:

  • Too much exercise. This includes exercise when you're injured, instead of making something of value or enjoyment or exercise to such a degree of intensity that is markedly different from that of the people around you.
  • Fear of weight gain. The fear of gaining weight may include the need to weigh or measure your body time and time again.
  • Focus on the appearance. This includes checking in the mirror often, what you think are flaws and wear layers of clothing to cover up.
  • Concern for the overweight. This includes concerns about being fat or having body parts that are fat.
  • The emotional changes. It may be that the lack of emotion or feeling emotionally flat. You may not want to be social. You may also be angry or irritable. You may have little interest in sex.
  • Sleep problems. This is also known as insomnia.

You also can hurt you. Or you can think or talk about suicide, or attempted suicide.

When to see a doctor

Because of how malnutrition affects the brain, a person with anorexia may not want to be treated. An essential feature of anorexia is that the people with the eating disorder does not usually see how severe their symptoms are. This is due to the way in which anorexia nervosa affects the brain.

If someone in your life has anorexia, it is better to move on to the action, even if you think you might be an exaggerated reaction — instead of letting the symptoms continue. The early treatment of disorders of the power leads to the best results.

If you're worried about a loved one, encourage your loved one to talk with a health care professional. If you are a parent or carer who is concerned about your child's eating habits, weight, or body image, sharing your concerns with your child's health care professional.

If you think you have an eating disorder, get help. If you are thinking about suicide, contact a hotline for suicide. In the united states, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Or use the Lifeline Chat . The services are free and confidential. The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the united states has a Spanish language of the phone line in 1-888-628-9454 (toll-free).

Causes

The causes of anorexia nervosa are not known. As with many diseases, it is probably a combination of factors:

  • Genetics. Although it is still not clear which genes are involved, genetic changes may make you more likely to develop anorexia. That implies that the genetic traits that include feeling the need to be perfect or be very sensitive.
  • Mental health. People with eating disorders often have obsessive-compulsive personality traits that make it easier to stick to strict diets and not eating, even though he is hungry. You can also try to be perfect in everything they do.
  • Environmental. The Western culture moderna puts a lot of emphasis on being thin. Social media plays an important role. Peer pressure can cause you to want to be thin, lean or muscular. A constant push to eat a healthy diet could lead to a very strict eating habits. These habits can become eating disorders.

Risk factors

Anorexia nervosa affects all gender identities, races, ages, income, and body types.

Anorexia is also more common among adolescents, although people of any age can develop this eating disorder. Adolescents may be at greater risk due to all the changes in their bodies during puberty. They also may face more peer pressure, and being more sensitive to criticism or even casual comments about your weight or body shape.

Certain factors increase the risk of anorexia and other eating disorders, including:

  • The history of the family. If you have a first-degree relative — a parent, sibling or child — who had anorexia, you have a higher risk of developing the same.
  • A history of weight intimidation. The people who have been teased or bullied about their weight are more likely to develop eating disorders. This includes people with their peers, family members, coaches, and others who have been embarrassed by his weight.
  • A history of the diet. The diet of the behaviors increase the risk of an eating disorder. People who are always diet and whose weight is always going up and down as they go up and down again the diets could develop an eating disorder.
  • Transitions. The main changes that can bring emotional stress and increase the risk of anorexia. Such changes include a new school, home, or work, as well as a relationship breakup or the death or illness of a loved one.

Complications

Anorexia nervosa can have many complications. In its most severe form, can be fatal. Death may occur suddenly— even if they are not visibly low weight. The irregular rhythms of the heart, also known as arrhythmias, can lead to death. Also, an imbalance of electrolytes-minerals such as sodium, potassium and calcium that maintain the balance of fluids in the body can also lead to death.

Other complications of anorexia are:

  • Anemia.
  • Other heart conditions, such as prolapse of the mitral valve, or heart failure. Mitral valve prolapse occurs when the valve between the heart's upper and lower left chambers does not close properly.
  • The loss of bone, also known as osteoporosis, which can increase the risk of fractures.
  • The loss of muscle.
  • Stomach problems, such as constipation, bloating, or nausea.
  • Kidney problems.

In females, anorexia can lead to having no period. In males, it can decrease testosterone.

If you become severely malnourished, every organ system in your body can be damaged. This damage may not be fully reversible, even when the anorexia is under control.

In addition to physical complications, you may also have other mental health symptoms and conditions, including:

  • Depression and other mood disorders.
  • Anxiety.
  • Personality disorders.
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorders.
  • Alcohol and substance misuse.
  • Self-injury, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts or suicide.

Prevention

There is a guaranteed way to prevent anorexia nervosa. Primary healthcare professionals, including pediatricians, practitioners of family medicine, and internal medicine practitioners, you can be in a good position to see the first signs that could lead to anorexia. For example, they may ask you questions about your eating habits and satisfaction with appearance during routine medical appointments. This could open up a discussion about how this relates to the health and where to get help if you need it.

If you notice that the people have dietary habits that seem too hard, or that you are happy with your appearance, think about talking with them about these topics. Although you may not be able to prevent an eating disorder from starting, you can talk to about their concerns and offer their help in search of help if you need it.

Examples of organizations that offer support for carers, friends and relatives of people with eating disorders include the National eating Disorders Association (NEDA) and Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of eating Disorders (F. E. A. S. T.).

Diagnosis

If your healthcare provider thinks that you have anorexia nervosa, you may have several tests and exams to pinpoint a diagnosis, rule out medical causes for the weight loss, and check for any related complications.

These exams and tests generally include:

  • Physical exam. This test includes the measurement of your height and weight, and the control of their vital signs. Vital signs include heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature. Generally, the review also includes the verification of the skin and nails of the problems, listening to the heart and lungs, and looking at the area of the stomach.
  • The laboratory tests. These may include a complete blood count (CBC) and more specialized blood tests to check electrolytes and proteins, as well as the function of your liver, kidney, and thyroid. A urine test can also be done.
  • Mental health evaluation. Your healthcare provider will probably ask about your thoughts, feelings and habits. Your healthcare provider may also ask you to answer a series of questions about your health.
  • Other studies. X-rays can be taken to control the density of the bones, check for stress fractures or broken bones, or check for pneumonia or heart problems. An electrocardiogram can be done to look for problems of the heart.

Treatment

It is better for the treatment of anorexia nervosa using a team approach. The team includes physicians, mental health professionals and other health care professionals — all with experience in the treatment of eating disorders.

Here's a look at what is commonly involved in the treatment.

Stays in the Hospital and other programs

If your life is in danger now, you may need to be treated in a hospital emergency department. This may be needed for issues such as a heart rhythm problem, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or a mental health emergency. A hospital stay may be needed to treat the medical complications, serious mental health problems, malnutrition, severe or persistent refusal to eat.

Some clinics specialize in the treatment of eating disorders. They may offer programs, day treatment or residential treatment programs instead of a stay in the hospital. Specialized eating disorder programs can provide more-intensive treatment for long periods of time. The main objective is to make the eating patterns more typical and promote behaviors to support the increased weight. The second objective is to help change distorted beliefs and thoughts that keep limited eating.

Health care

Monitoring may be required, often because of all the complications of anorexia causes. This includes vital signs, hydration level and electrolytes, as well as those related to the physical conditions. In severe cases, it can, in principle, require feeding through a tube placed in the nose and goes to the stomach. This is called a nasogastric tube.

The restoration of a healthy weight

The first goal of treatment is to achieve a healthy weight based on the personal growth of the story. You cannot recover from anorexia without returning to a healthy weight and poor eating habits. The people involved in this process may include:

  • Your health care professional, who can provide medical care and to monitor their weight gain.
  • A psychologist or other mental health professional trained to treat disorders of the power, that can work with you on ways to change your behavior to help you return to a healthy weight.
  • A dietitian, who is specially trained in disorders of the power and can guide you on how to return to regular patterns of eating. This includes give you meal plans that meet your calorie needs and help you achieve your weight goals.
  • Your family, it's probably going to be involved in helping to maintain good eating habits. This is especially true for children and adolescents with eating disorders.

Family-based treatment for adolescents

Family-based treatment, sometimes called FBT, is the only proof of outpatient treatment for adolescents with anorexia. A person with anorexia may not make good decisions about food and health, due to the impact of the disease on the brain. So that this therapy can help parents help their children to eat well and to achieve a healthy weight until the child can make good decisions about your health.

Medications

Unfortunately, there are no medications that have been found to help treat anorexia nervosa. For people who have anorexia, being underweight may interfere with the effectiveness of the medications you take for other conditions, such as depression and anxiety. For people with anorexia, the food is truly medicine.

Some people may need supplements to reverse the effects of malnutrition, but the majority of the people should receive the nutrients it needs through the food by back to regular eating habits and a healthy weight. Your health care professional may recommend taking supplements like vitamin D, although it is important to talk with your health care professional to make sure that you are taking the right things in the right way.

Challenges of treatment of anorexia

One of the greatest challenges in the treatment of anorexia is that you don't want to be treated. Barriers to treatment may include:

  • To think that no treatment is needed or that you're not sick enough to be treated.
  • Fearing weight gain.
  • See anorexia as a lifestyle rather than a disease.

Recovery is possible with a proven treatment that includes getting to a healthy weight. But you are at higher risk of anorexia return during periods of high stress or triggering situations. Therapy continuous or periodic appointments during times of stress can help you stay healthy.

Lifestyle and home remedies

When you have anorexia nervosa, it can be difficult to take care of yourself properly. In addition to professional treatment, follow these steps:

  • Stay with your treatment plan. Don't skip therapy sessions and try not to deviate from the plans of meals, even if they make you uncomfortable.
  • Talk with your health care professional about the correct form of supplements of vitamins and minerals. Many people get their vitamins and minerals from food. But if you are not eating well, your body is probably not getting all the nutrients you need, such as vitamin D or iron.
  • Don't isolate yourself from caring family members and friends who want to see you get healthy. I understand that you have their best interests at heart.
  • Resist urges to weigh-in outside medical appointments or check yourself in the mirror often. These actions can do nothing but fuel his drive to maintain unhealthy habits.

Alternative medicine

If you have anorexia nervosa, the misuse of the dietary supplements, herbal products designed to make you lose weight or feel less hungry, stimulants, or insulin. All of these products and the drugs can have serious side effects and don't work well with other medicines. It is also very dangerous for those who have low weight and may increase your risk of dying from complications to a great extent.

The methods that help to reduce anxiety and help with the treatment of anorexia can increase your sense of well-being and help you relax. Examples of these methods include massage, yoga and meditation.

Coping and support

You may find that it is difficult to deal with anorexia nervosa, when the media and the culture — and perhaps your own family or friends — giving mixed messages about what they should be similar. If you have anorexia or your loved one has anorexia, ask your healthcare provider for advice about coping strategies and emotional support in the diet culture and weight stigma are so common. Learning effective coping strategies and get the support you need from family and friends are vital to the success of the treatment.

Preparing for your appointment

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment and know what to expect from your health care professional.

You can ask a family member or friend to go with you. Someone who goes with you may remember something that you missed or forgot. A member of the family may also be able to give your healthcare provider a more complete picture of your life at home.

What you can do

Before your appointment, make a list of:

  • The symptoms that you are taking, including those that do not seem to be related to the reason for the appointment. Try to remember when your symptoms began.
  • Key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
  • All the drugs, vitamins, herbal products, medicines available without a prescription and other supplements that you take, and your dose.
  • Questions to ask your health professional for you to remember to cover everything that you wanted.

For children, it is very useful to bring a copy of your growth curve of the story, so that the health professional can see the changes.

Some questions that you can ask your health care professional include:

  • What kinds of tests do I need? What do I need to prepare for these tests?
  • Is this condition temporary or long-term?
  • What treatments are recommended?
  • Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What sites do you recommend?

Do not hesitate to ask questions during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

Your healthcare provider will probably ask you several questions, including:

  • How long have you been worried about your weight?
  • How often do you exercise?
  • What ways have you used to lose weight?
  • Do you have any physical symptoms?
  • Have you ever vomited because I was uncomfortably full?
  • What do you think about food often?
  • Do you ever eat in secret?
  • Have others expressed concern that you are too thin?
  • Has anyone in your family has ever had symptoms of an eating disorder or have been diagnosed with an eating disorder?

Be prepared to answer these questions to make sure that there is no time to go through all the points that you want to focus on.

Symptoms and treatment of Anorexia nervosa