Anorexia nervosa is a grave disease which is basically an eating disorder among teenage girls and also women. The cause of this disease is unknown though social and biological factors can play a part.
Characteristics
- The body weight is at least 15% below the required weight, according to the age height and sex of the person.
- This drastic fall in weight could have resulted from excessive exercising, avoiding fattening food, self-induced vomiting and using laxatives.
- The person concerned is usually under mortal fear of weight gain.
- Rules are made regarding the intake of food and how much exercise is needed to burn those calories.
- This glaring problem may cause hormonal disturbances and even may stop having periods.
Causes
The exact cause of anorexia is still unknown but it is assumed that inherent biological factors along with social factors and trends may play a pivotal part to accelerate this deadly trend to spread.
This disease is more widespread in the West but certain professional women such as ballet dancers, models and actresses are specially afflicted. Many actresses are adopting this and flaunting the size zero trend, like Kareena Kapoor from Bollywood. Fan following is also a potent cause.
Relationship turmoils, puberty, adjustment problems, abuse, and other such stresses trigger this disease. Peer pressure and depressing comments can lead to drastic dieting by the victims, resulting in this fatal state.The present times is witnessing troubled teenagers with a lot of depression, unhealthy food habits, stress, obsessions, etc. They are unable to deal with these and so health is thoroughly neglected. A widespread awareness about this disease can help give the teenagers and other busy professionals an idea about the disease and its fatal consequences. Many organizations, the internet, newspapers and NGOs can help achieving this motive. It is a glaring problem and needs immediate attention.
Personalities susceptible to anxiety and tensions are more prone to this disease. Inhibition, perfectionism, obsessions are the other deadly traits.
Symptoms
1. Weight loss by at least 15% from the ideal body weight.
2. Delayed puberty or stopping of periods.
3. Self-induced weight loss through methods such as excessive exercising, avoiding fatty food intake, using slimming and diuretic medicines and vomiting out the food. Some are obsessed about losing weight.
4. Some feel bloated even after a small meal.
5. Other symptoms that are noticed are fatigue, feeling cold and constipation.
6. Bulimia is an additional disorder which is developed by some sufferers.
Treatment
a. Treatment in such diseases varies according to the state of the patient’s health. Single treatments are not effective. The treatments aim towards promoting weight gain, positive thoughts, beliefs, healthy food habits and dealing with mental well being.
b. Another major way is to enlist family support.
c. Cognitive behavior therapy and cognitive analytic therapy are the two psychological treatments for this behavioral disorder. If compulsive disorders and depression is noticed then medicines are also used.
d. If there is excessive weight loss then immediate hospitalization is followed.
e. Treatment by a family doctor is possible but a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist helps the patient to deal with the eating disorders. Psychiatrists also help the sufferer to deal with adjustment and social problems. In cases of acute mental depression, psychiatric help should be seeked immediately.
Self-help
Sufferers should seek immediate help when they have an insight into their physical plight. If they are keen on helping themselves then there are certain ways and its late then never. The National Institute for Health and Clinic has released a document which can be helpful to a large extent. Self-help books are also available in the market or you can get hold of them online. Some organizations have sprung up for anorexia patients who are eager to help themselves. These organizations also spread awareness.
The treatment should start as soon as possible as the disease is lethal. In severe cases of anorexia, patients may even lose their lives. If treated sooner, it can take months for the sufferer to gain back the lost weight. Osteoporosis is a fatal disease which is caused due to starvation. This leads to weak bones which are prone to breaking and fracturing. It also causes severe damage to the heart, kidney, brains and liver.
Anorexia also stunts growth and results in poor concentration abilities. Some patients are so depressed that they can be pushed to the edge to commit suicide.
So, shun the ideas and get those calories in before it is too late.
