Understanding Anorexia Nervosa Eating Disorders
The eating disorder in which a patient eats too less due to a constant fear of gaining weight is called anorexia nervosa. Anorexia nervosa eating disorders can be systematically diagnosed and proper treatment can be given to those who suffer from it. The word Â"anorexiaÂ" originated from the Greek word, Â"OrexisÂ" meaning appetite. Actually, anorexia means lacking the desire to eat. An individual diagnosed with anorexia nervosa is more commonly said to be anorexic.
"Anorexia nervosa" is a serious condition because of the way it affects the person who suffers from it. There is a lot of talk and literature about this dreaded disorder but it is best to go for professional help in case you want to opt for treatment. Strictly speaking, the word "anorexia" is actually the symptom of suppressed appetite and not the disorder itself. Although biological examinations can help in diagnosing anorexia, this diagnosis is usually based on a mixture of reported beliefs, behavior, and experiences, and bodily features of the person. Anorexia nervosa is generally diagnosed by clinical psychologists, psychiatrists or other properly qualified clinician in the particular area of specialization. LetÂ's understand the factors that are studied. There are various behavioral and physical aspects that are regarded as symptoms of anorexia nervosa. The behavioral symptoms include refusal of the patient to maintain her/his body weight, excessive obsession to lose weight fear of getting fat anxiety and depression among others. They usually have a very low self esteem, and are prone to mood swings. These people usually have a disintegrating relationship with others including their own family members. All these may give rise to clinical complications. This is also regarded as symptoms if they hadnÂ't been detected at an earlier stage. Extreme weight loss, stunted growth, endocrine disorder, irregular menstrual cycle, decreased libido, anemia, hypothermia, hypotension, abnormal electrolyte level and thinning of hair are some of the medical symptoms of anorexia. The patient may also experience constipation, tooth decay, dry skin, headaches and many others. The causes may be different and varied. It could be due to these factors such as genetic, neurobiological, nutritional, psychological, social and environmental factors. Whatever is the cause, these patients should be kept informed constantly about their health conditions. They need a lot of motivation and psychotherapy treatments. In conjunction with clinics, hospitals and therapy centers for anorexic patients, there are also forums that aim at making people aware of it and encourage them to fight anorexia. It is reported that even famous celebrities are suffering from anorexia. Anorexia nervosa eating disorders have become so common that the need is to create awareness about it. The key to enlightenment, as the wise say, lies in knowledge. |