Anorexia Nervosa-causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder as well as a psychological disorder. Anorexia is a condition that goes beyond dieting and the signs of anorexia can be hard to interpret and understand. A person with anorexia symptoms might initially start dieting to lose weight. With anorexic people losing weight turns into an issue concerning the control or fears relating to one's body.

A Family Member has an Eating Disorder

If you have a family member that with an Eating Disorder, they need a lot of support. Suggest that your family member see an eating disorder expert. Be prepared for denial, resistance, and even anger. A doctor and/or a counselor can help them battle their eating disorder.

What causes anorexia nervosa?

At this time, no definite cause of anorexia nervosa has been determined. However, research within the medical and psychological fields continues to explore possible causes. Some experts feel that demands from society and families could possibly be underlying causes for anorexia. For many individuals with anorexia, the destructive cycle begins with the pressure to be thin and attractive. A poor self-image compounds the problem.

Girls with anorexia usually stop having menstrual periods. People with anorexia have dry skin and thinning hair on the head. They may have a growth of fine hair all over their body. They may feel cold all the time, and they may get sick often. People with anorexia are often in a bad mood. They have a hard time concentrating and are always thinking about food.

What are the common symptoms of anorexia nervosa?

The hallmark of anorexia nervosa is a preoccupation with food and a refusal to maintain minimally normal body weight. One of the most frightening aspects of the disorder is that people with anorexia nervosa continue to think they look fat even when they are bone-thin. Their nails and hair become brittle, and their skin may become dry and yellow. Depression is common in patients suffering from this disorder. People with anorexia nervosa often complain of feeling cold (hypothermia) because their body temperature drops. They may develop lanugo (a term used to describe the fine hair on a new born) on their body.

How is anorexia treated?

Treatment will vary depending on the individual circumstances. There is no one single treatment that has proven to be effective in all cases. Treatment aims to:

* restore the person to a healthy weight.

* restore healthy eating patterns.

* treat any physical complications or associated mental health problems.

Outpatient treatment can be conducted on either or both of cognitive behavioral psychotherapeutic lines or dynamic psychotherapeutive lines. It is vital to set up a therapeutic alliance. Individual psychotherapy is better than family therapy if the patient has left home and vice versa.