INTRODUCTION
Anorexia Nervosa is a mental condition which affects one’s both physical and
mental health. It is a condition that causes one to have a distorted self-image
and forces themselves to starve even if their body weight is already
dangerously low. They often restrict their food intake to the point where they
are extremely thin. Anorexia is found to occur most often in women, especially
those who are aged 15 to 35. There have been cases reported as early as the age
of 7 and as late as the age of 80. Researchers believe that about 5 to 10
percent of women overall have a distorted body image but approximately 1 to 2
percent of those women suffer from anorexia nervosa. Often at times anorexia
can begin during the early teen years. Over 90 percent of the victims of
anorexia are found to be women but yet many cases go unnoticed or unreported.
The definition of one who is anorexic is that they are approximately about 15
percent underweight for their age and height, yet still refuses to gain the
weight required to be at the minimal standard. They have an intense fear of
gaining weight and often starve themselves to the point where there are not
receiving the proper nutrients and intake required for a healthy diet. Often
anorexics restrict themselves to fewer than 1000 calories per day and may even
go as low as 100 calories a day.
CAUSES
Anorexia Nervosa has often been associated with both being a physical and
mental disease. The number one cause of anorexia has often been believed to be
a low self-esteem and a distorted body image. In fact, many anorexics think
they are fat when in reality they are just the normal weight for their age and
height. Often one develops anorexia in order to obtain a perfect body image in
their perception. The goal to obtain the perfect body results in an obsession
with dieting, weight and exercise. Those who suffer from anorexia are often
depressed, withdrawn, or may feel the need to be in control. They may feel that
starving themselves gives them total control of their body. Also, anorexics can
be perfectionists, which may cause the need to have the ideal body. Another
cause of anorexia has been said to be the image produced by the media and
society, which portrays the ideal person to be fit and thin. Many anorexics
have been said to believe that they only way to be considered attractive and
successful was to be thin. Pressure from families and peeps has also been
stated as a caused for anorexia. Comments about their appearance and weight
have driven anorexics to starve themselves. As well, previous abuse has also
driven people to become anorexic.
SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of anorexia can be broken down into two main aspects: physical and
behavioral. The physical symptoms of anorexia include a stop in the menstrual
cycle, fatigue, weakness, hair loss and a change in the patterns of the heart.
Often the loss of the menstrual cycle is one of the most common side effects of
anorexia. One who is anorexic can be prone to fainting, dizziness and abnormal
heart behavior. Also, anorexia can cause dry, brittle hair and bones and
failure in the function of the kidney. A victim of anorexia may also be prone
low blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms. Meanwhile, the behavioral
effects of anorexia can include depression, lack of sleep, irritability and
they may become withdrawn from friends and family. Another symptom of anorexia
is an obsession with exercise. Anorexics have been known to exercise for hours
at a time for almost all of the days of the week. They may also become obsessed
with the food they eat, the amount of food that they take in, and may even deny
that they have a problem. Often they cut their food into tiny pieces or eat
food slowly and may even dispose of food secretly. In fact, about 30 percent of
anorexics begin to have Bulimia Nervosa, which is the process of eating food
but then using laxatives to induce vomiting.
TREATMENTS
There are many ways to treat a victim of anorexia. One method is by
psychological counseling. A problem with treating anorexia is getting the
victim to first admit that they have a problem, and to not deny their illness
any longer. Through counseling, the root of the victims’ problem is found. They
are helped to find and recognize their distorted view of their body. Also any
form of abuse they may have been through is brought up and often family members
are in counseling sessions to help the victim. It has been found that
group-counseling sessions have been found to be useful because a common
perception of the problem is found. For the physical aspect of anorexia, weight
gain is the first step to recovery. Some patients may even have to be
hospitalized because their weight loss has been so severe. Physicians may
prescribe gradual increases in food intake and dietary supplements, and tell a
patient not to exercise. In the most severe cases, especially if a patient
resists instructions to eat, nutrients and fluids may be administered
intravenously. During hospitalization, patients receive both physical and
mental care. They may have to stay there for a few days or even weeks at a time
to help treat anorexia. However, the mental effects of this disease may take
longer to treat. With both physical and mental care, anorexia can often be
treated and its effects can be reversed. Researchers estimate that of those diagnosed
with anorexia nervosa, 42 percent recover, 30 percent improve somewhat, and
more than 20 percent suffer from a chronic eating disorder. New ways are being
found to prevent anorexia. Through self-image awareness, the virtues of
self-esteem and acceptance are being promoted. Perhaps with less emphasis in
society over appearance, anorexia may finally be prevented.