Anorexia Nervosa is a serious eating disorder that typically emerges during mid-to-late adolescence (ages 13–18) and is characterized by intense fear of weight gain, leading to severe dietary restrictions. This condition deeply impacts both physical and mental health and can become life-threatening if not treated. In this article, we will discuss the symptoms, causes, and treatment of anorexia nervosa.
What Is Anorexia Nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that emerges due to extreme concern about body weight and appearance. Individuals are usually well below their ideal weight, yet they continue to fear gaining weight. People with anorexia often have a distorted body image and are usually unaware of how thin they have become, continuing to believe they are overweight. They deny that their extremely low body weight is a problem. This condition can lead to a cycle of starvation and weight loss that severely impacts quality of life.
What Are the Symptoms?
The symptoms of anorexia nervosa can be examined in three categories: physical, psychological, and behavioral.
1. Physical Symptoms:
Extreme weight loss, Low blood pressure and heart rate, Constant feeling of cold, Dry and pale skin, Disrupted menstrual cycle in women, Brittle nails, Hair loss.
2. Psychological Symptoms:
Distorted body image (feeling overweight despite being very thin), Fear of gaining weight, Perfectionism, Low self-esteem, Avoidance of social situations.
3. Behavioral Symptoms:
Avoiding food or eating very little, Obsessive focus on calories and nutritional content, Excessive exercising, Secretly discarding food or pretending to have eaten, Use of laxatives or self-induced vomiting, Rituals such as preparing food for others but refusing to eat in front of them.
What Are the Causes?
Although there is no single known etiological cause of anorexia nervosa, it is believed that a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors plays a role in the development of this disorder.
- Genetic Factors: A family history of eating disorders may increase the risk.
- Psychological Factors: Perfectionism, a need for control, and traumatic experiences may raise the risk of anorexia.
- Social Pressures: Media and societal pressure promoting the “thin body ideal” are significant contributing factors.
- Brain Chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters such as serotonin may trigger anorexia nervosa.
What Are the Treatment Methods?
Anorexia nervosa requires a multidisciplinary approach and does not resolve on its own. Treatment should combine psychological support, medical care, and nutritional counseling. If an individual has lost 30% of their ideal body weight, inpatient treatment is recommended.
1. Psychotherapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Aims to change distorted thought patterns and behaviors.
- Family-Based Therapy (FBT): A treatment model involving family support that can be especially effective for adolescents.
2. Medical Treatment
- Medical intervention may be required to ensure the body receives necessary nutrients.
- Monitoring potential damage to the heart, kidneys, or other organs is essential.
3. Nutritional Counseling
- Helps individuals relearn a healthy and balanced eating routine.
4. Medication
Medication may be used to treat accompanying psychiatric conditions such as anxiety or depression.
Common Misconceptions and Facts About Anorexia Nervosa
- "They just want to lose weight.": Anorexia nervosa is a serious psychological disorder and is not solely about weight control.
- "They lack willpower.": This condition results from complex biological and psychological processes, not a lack of willpower.
- "It only affects young women.": Although more common in women, anorexia can occur at any age and in any gender.
