Anorexia nervosa
“I want to go to sleep and not wake up, but I don't want to die. I want to eat like a normal person eats, but I need to see my bones or I will hate myself even more and I might cut my heart out or take every pill that was ever made.”
― Laurie Halse Anderson, Wintergirls
What do you mean by anorexia nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa is characterized as an eating disorder in which a person’s body weight is too low in intense fear of being gaining weight. The people those are suffering from this disorder take much care of their body weight and shape. They do excessive exercises and do vomit after eating a calorie diet. It is not only a food-related disorder but it also has serious impacts on mental and physical health of a person.
Well-Known Reasons behind Anorexia Nervosa
Eating disorders like Anorexia Nervosa can develop due to a number of different reasons that can vary from person to person. Following are the most widely recognized reasons for anorexia nervosa which:
- Biological issues
- Psychological issues
- Environmental factors
The Most Common Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa
You can recognize Anorexia Nervosa by knowing its symptoms. Following are the most common symptoms of anorexia nervosa:
- Very low weight
- Thin appearance
- Fatigue
- Abnormal blood counts
- Fainting
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Bladder pain
- Yellowish skin
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Dehydration
- Swelling of legs and arms
- Low blood pressure
- Intolerance of cold
- Absence of menstruation
- Skipping of food mostly
- Eating low-fat food
- Denial of hunger
- Fear of gaining weight
- Reduced interest in sex
- Social withdrawal
Common Complications
Although the reasons might vary but the complications that the people with Anorexia Nervosa are expected to experience are very similar. Following are the most common complication you may face if you have anorexia nervosa:
- Lifestyle is disturbing
- Personal relationships disturb due to this behaviour
- Depression due to this behaviour
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Mental and physical health problems
- Financial problems
- Dropouts from schools and working place
- Heart problems
- Decreased testosterone from males and mensuration from females
- Loss of bones and muscles
- Kidney problems
- Gastrointestinal problems
Diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa
It is not hard to diagnose Anorexia Nervosa as the symptoms are usually very easy to recognize. Following are the methodologies and techniques used by the doctors or psychiatrists:
- Physical examination
- Psychiatric evaluation
- Asking about the symptoms you have experience
- Medical interview
- Behavioural therapy
- Medical history
- Labs tests
How doctors treat anorexia nervosa disorders?
Doctors can treat this type of psychological problems by methods and techniques which we discussed here:
- Medical treatment
Doctors will prescribe you an appropriate medication to overcome the symptoms and the disease.
- Behavioural treatment
Doctors can also do your behavioural treatment and treat you by the help of cogitative behavioural therapy