Although this is a topic about dieting that has gone terribly out of control, it is also a very real psychological disorder. Anorexia nervosa, or anorexia is an eating disorder that is difficult to treat. It typically affects the female in 95% of the cases. I am sure that this is no surprise to anyone given our world of focus on the relation between beauty and thinness. However, this disorder can affect the male species as well. It usually makes itself known in the adolescent.
Everything starts out relatively normal in the victim of this disorder. They begin by wanting to lose a few pounds. Their goal is to be as beautiful as “that model” they saw in the magazine. Even though most that start dieting are not fat by any means society tells us otherwise. The anorexia sufferer looks in the mirror and sees every imperfection and fat on his or her body. If they already suffer from a low self-image this will only make it more pronounced to them. As soon as they lose some weight, it begins to become a matter of control on their part. They come to fear eating and often eat less and less. In some severe cases they waver closely to starvation. Just like a drug addict that is unable to control their need for drugs, an anorexic cannot control the compulsion of withholding food from themselves.
Many theories as to why anorexia occurs have been speculated. Some of these theories include difficult parent-child relationships, a fear of growing up, imbalances in the brain, and a dysfunctional hypothalamus.
Treatment for anorexia involves family and individual counseling. This is difficult for everyone as most people, including the victim themselves, tend to be in denial regarding their sickness. Help is not usually sought out until the case has caused some type of bodily disturbances. The symptoms would include excessive weight loss, fear of eating and fear of gaining weight, and disturbances in the menstrual cycle in females. Additional symptoms of anorexia are irritability, fatigue, depression, anxiety and withdrawal, abnormalities in the heart rate, blood pressure, skin changes, excessive fine hair growth on the body, scalp hair loss and various other internal bodily changes that are very damaging.
If treatment is established in a timely fashion it can be done on an outpatient basis with hopes of success. More severe cases of anorexia would require hospitalization. The goal for the anorexic is first and foremost weight gain. The psychological aspect would then be addressed, but physical measures need to be carried out first in order to gain better control of the victim’s health.
It is thought that approximately 7% of anorexics will not survive. This is due to internal bodily changes that generally involve the heart. Early treatment is essential in this condition, as it can spiral downward in fast speed. Relapses often occur in a yo-yo type pattern. Even after health and psychological health is on the mend, this condition is often looked upon as a day-by-day challenge very much like that of a person who is controlled by drugs and alcohol.
With continuing ongoing therapy and family involvement there can be success stories in the life of the anorexic. If you feel that symptoms are present in a loved one’s life attempt to seek help as soon as possible. It could save their life.
Angel Lynn writes in weight loss, single parenting, and health