What is Anorexia Nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and extremely restrictive eating patterns. It typically involves maintaining a body weight that's significantly below what's considered healthy.
Key Signs and Symptoms
Physical Symptoms
- Significant weight loss
- Fatigue and weakness
- Low blood pressure and slow heart rate
- Hair loss and brittle nails
- Development of fine body hair (lanugo)
- Irregular menstrual periods in females
- Cold intolerance
Behavioral Signs
- Severe restriction of food intake
- Obsessive calorie counting
- Excessive exercise
- Frequent weighing
- Social withdrawal
- Denial of hunger
Health Complications
Short-term Effects
- Dehydration
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Muscle weakness
- Fainting episodes
Long-term Effects
- Bone density loss (osteoporosis)
- Heart problems
- Fertility issues
- Mental health complications
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnostic Criteria
- Restricted energy intake
- Intense fear of weight gain
- Disturbance in self-perceived weight or shape
- Body Mass Index (BMI) significantly below normal
Treatment Approaches
-
Medical Care
- Regular health monitoring
- Nutritional rehabilitation
- Treatment of physical complications
-
Psychological Support
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Family-based therapy
- Group therapy
-
Nutritional Counseling
- Meal planning
- Educational support
- Healthy weight management
Recovery and Support
Recovery Process
- Gradual weight restoration
- Development of healthy eating patterns
- Addressing underlying psychological issues
- Building coping mechanisms
Support Systems
- Family and friends
- Healthcare professionals
- Support groups
- Crisis helplines
When to Seek Help
Seek immediate medical attention if you or someone you know:
- Shows severe weight loss
- Experiences fainting episodes
- Develops chest pain or heart palpitations
- Shows signs of severe depression
Prevention and Awareness
- Early intervention
- Body positivity education
- Stress management
- Healthy relationship with food and exercise