|
Anorexia
Nervosa
xxxxx
What
is Anorexia Nervosa?
'Anorexia nervosa' means 'loss
of appetite for nervous reasons' but this is misleading because the person
has, in fact, lost the ability to allow themselves to satisfy their
appetite. They restrict the amount they eat and drink, sometimes to a
dangerous level. They focus on food in an attempt to cope with life,
rather than to starve to death. It is a way of demonstrating that they are
in control of their body weight and shape. Ultimately, however, the
illness itself takes control and the chemical changes in the body affect
the brain and distort thinking, making it impossible for the person to
make rational decisions about food. As the illness progresses, many people
will suffer from the exhaustion of starvation. It is very rare, but
occasionally people die from the effects of anorexia.
return to
top
Signs
of Anorexia: -
- In adults, extreme weight loss
- In children and teenagers, poor or inadequate weight gain in
relation to their growth
- Constipation and abdominal pains
- Dizzy spells and fainting
- Swollen stomach, face and ankles
- Downy hair on the body; loss of hair on the head when recovering
- Poor blood circulation and feeling cold
- Dry, rough, discoloured skin
- Disrupted menstrual cycles
- In men, loss of libido
- Loss of bone mass and, eventually osteoporosis (brittle bones)
- Psychological signs of anorexia
- Intense fear of gaining weight, even within the normal weight range
according to height
- Distorted perception of body shape or weight
- Denial of the existence of a problem
- Changes in personality and mood swings
- Behavioural signs in anorexia
- Rituals attached to eating, such as cutting food into tiny pieces
- Secrecy
- Restlessness and hyperactivity
- Wearing big baggy clothes
- Vomiting; taking laxatives
return to
top
Long
Term Effects
The long-term effects of anorexia on the body and mind can be alarming
and severe. Women with anorexia tend to find it more difficult to become
pregnant, and there is the possibility of developing osteoporosis later in
life. Fortunately, many of these effects can be reversed - once the body
receives proper and regular nourishment.
Once the person is on the path to recovery, it can take some weeks or
months for the body and mind to re-adjust. Eating and drinking regularly
can cause their body to become bloated temporarily. Personality and mood
swings may also take a while to settle, depending on the emotional
difficulties associated with anorexia. Anorexia and the family Anorexia
not only affects the person with the disorder - the whole family is
affected. Each family is different but some common trends have been
identified.
return to
top
Who
Develops Anorexia
People who develop anorexia have usually been compliant and
obedient children. They would be less likely to become angry than their
brothers or sisters and would have been eager to please. They have often
hidden their inner-feelings and anxieties. They fear failure and have an
overwhelming desire to please and care for others. They are committed to
achieving high standards set - or that they assume have been set - by
parents or teachers. Often the high standards are self-imposed. Some
families are so close and loving that the child finds it difficult to
become independent. They may be fearful that they cannot manage on their
own away from the family. Anorexia demonstrates independence through
control over food and eating.
Source: Eating Disorder
Association
return to top
This page was last updated on 04 December 2006 21:12:01
|
|
