Anorexia Nervosa
DEFINITION
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that occurs primarily among girls and
women. It is characterized by a fear of gaining weight, self-starvation, and a
distorted view of body image. The condition is usually brought on by emotional
disorders that lead a person to worry excessively about the appearance of his
or her body. There are generally two types of anorexia: one is characterized
by strict dieting and exercising; the other type includes binging and purging.
Binging is the act of eating abnormally large amounts of food in a short period
of time. Purging is the use of vomiting or other methods, such as laxatives, to
empty the stomach. An individual who suffers from anorexia is called anorexic.
Familiar Words to Know: Anorexia Nervosa
Amenorrhea - Absence of menstrual periods.
Binge Eating - A pattern of eating large quantities of food in a short period of
time.
Purging - The use of vomiting or other techniques to empty the stomach of
food.
The Disease
Anorexia nervosa was first classified as a psychiatric (mental) disorder in 1980
and has since become a growing problem in the United States. The number of
cases has doubled since 1970, and experts now estimate that 0.5 to 1 percent
of all white females may be anorexic. About 90 percent of all anorexics are
female, although the number of males with the disorder is growing. The most
common age at which the disorder first appears is fourteen to eighteen years.
However, anorexia nervosa may begin later in life; some cases of the disorder
have been documented in infants. Studies indicate that the disorder is
increasing among women of all races and social classes in the United States.
Anorexia nervosa is a very dangerous disorder. It has a very high rate of
mortality (death). In addition, it can cause some serious long-term health
effects. These effects include a reduced rate of growth, dental problems,
constipation, stomach rupture, anemia (see anemia entry), loss of kidney
function, heart problems, and osteoporosis (weakening of the bones; see
osteoporosis entry).
CAUSES
The exact cause of anorexia nervosa is not known. However, a combination of
factors are believed to contribute to the disorder.
Social Influences
American society places high value on thinness among women. Many consider
being thin an essential part of beauty and young girls often think that they
must be slender to be attractive. Being thin is also equated with social
success. Images of girls and women in mass media (magazines, television,
and movies) have been blamed, in part, for reinforcing such stereotypes.
Some girls become anorexic as a form of copy-cat behavior. They imitate the
actions of other women whom they admire. Extreme dieting may be one of
these behaviors.
Occupational Goals
Some occupations traditionally expect women be slender. Dancers, fashion
models, gymnasts, and actresses are often expected to be very thin. A young
girl who aims for these careers may decide to pursue an extreme weight-loss
program.
Genetic and Biological Factors
Anorexia nervosa seems to run in some families. Women whose mothers or
sisters have the disorder are more likely to develop the condition than those
who do not have relatives with anorexia nervosa.
Psychological Factors
One factor possibly leading to anorexia nervosa is the way a person looks at
the world. Many theories have been developed to explain how an individual's
view of the world may lead to the disorder. Anorexia nervosa has been
interpreted as:
A fear of growing up. By becoming anorexic, a young girl may be able to
remain a child.
Dancers, gymnasts, and other female athletes often feel pressure to be very
thin. The pressure sometimes leads to eating disorders such as anorexia
nervosa.
Reaction to sexual assault or abuse.
A desire to remain weak and passive in the belief that men will find this
attractive.
A drive to be perfect in every part of life, whether it be school work or weight
control.
Response to family problems.
Biological or psychological problems caused by incorrect feeding experiences
at an early age.
SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of anorexia nervosa vary widely. In some people, they are very
severe. In others, they are quite mild. In most cases, anorexics tend to have
very thin bodies, dry or yellowish skin, and very low blood pressure. Young
girls often have amenorrhea (pronounced a-men-uh-REE-uh), the failure to
menstruate. They may also experience abdominal pain, constipation, and lack
of energy. Chills, the growth of downy body hair, and damaged tooth enamel
(from vomiting) are other symptoms of the condition.
DIAGNOSIS
Anorexia nervosa is often difficult to diagnose for a number of reasons. Most
people with the disorder deny that they have a problem. They may not get
professional help until a family member intervenes and takes them to a doctor.
Professional assistance in diagnosing this terrible illness is available by calling
Optima Specialty Hospital and scheduling an outpatient interview.
A physical examination and medical history will be conducted by the physician.
Other possible causes for symptoms must first be ruled out. Brain tumors,
diseases of the digestive tract, and other conditions can produce symptoms
similar to those of anorexia nervosa. Blood tests, urinalysis, and other tests
can be used to eliminate other possibilities.
Some psychiatric conditions also produce symptoms like those of anorexia
nervosa. Doctors may use certain written tests to distinguish between these
disorders and anorexia nervosa. The Eating Attitudes Test and the Eating
Disorder Inventory are two such tests.
TREATMENT
Treatment of anorexia nervosa is often quite complicated. The patient may
have to deal with immediate problems as well as long-range ones. A variety of
professional helpers may be needed. They may include psychiatrists or
psychologists, dietitians, and medical specialists in other areas. Treatment is
often difficult because of a patient's attitude. He or she may refuse to take the
steps necessary to be cured of the disorder.
Hospital Treatment
Although most cases of anorexia nervosa can be treated in an outpatient
setting, severe-acute anorexia may require hospital treatment. Some
symptoms that may lead to hospitalization include:
Anorexia nervosa is characterized by a fear of gaining weight, self-starvation,
and a distorted self-image.
A weight of 40 percent or more below normal, or weight loss of 30 pounds or
more over a three-month period
Severely disturbed metabolism (body reactions by which energy is produced)
Severe binging and purging
Signs of mental disorders
Severe depression or risk of suicide
Family crisis
Hospital treatment has two objectives. First, the patient is given the
opportunity to eat on a more normal schedule. In extreme cases, it may be
necessary to force-feed the patient. Second, he or she is provided with group
or individual counseling. The purpose of counseling is to help the patient
understand the reasons for his or her disorder.
Outpatient Treatment
Patients whose health is not seriously at risk can be treated on an out-patient
basis. Optima Specialty Hospital offers Outpatient services in a office setting.
The patient comes in for help but then goes home after the session is over.
Most outpatient services for anorexics involve counseling. The counseling can
be done on an individual basis or in groups. In some cases family therapy can
be helpful. Family therapy helps relatives of the anorexic to understand their
role in the patient's problems.
Medications
Drugs can sometimes by used to treat the psychological aspect of anorexia
nervosa. They may help patients become less depressed, less anxious, and
better able to think clearly about his or her problems.
PROGNOSIS
According to the best estimates available, about half of all anorexics make a
good physical and social recovery. About three-quarters gain weight. On a
long-term basis, about 10 percent of all anorexics eventually die from the
disorder. The most frequent causes of death are starvation, imbalances of
chemicals in the body, heart failure, and suicide.
PREVENTION
Anorexia nervosa is likely to remain a problem until overall changes in society
occur. As long as thinness is an ideal, anorexics will exist. Educational
programs in the schools and discussions at home can help young people to
think about and develop positive attitudes toward food, weight control, and
body image.
DEFINITION
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that occurs primarily among girls and
women. It is characterized by a fear of gaining weight, self-starvation, and a
distorted view of body image. The condition is usually brought on by emotional
disorders that lead a person to worry excessively about the appearance of his
or her body. There are generally two types of anorexia: one is characterized
by strict dieting and exercising; the other type includes binging and purging.
Binging is the act of eating abnormally large amounts of food in a short period
of time. Purging is the use of vomiting or other methods, such as laxatives, to
empty the stomach. An individual who suffers from anorexia is called anorexic.
Familiar Words to Know: Anorexia Nervosa
Amenorrhea - Absence of menstrual periods.
Binge Eating - A pattern of eating large quantities of food in a short period of
time.
Purging - The use of vomiting or other techniques to empty the stomach of
food.
The Disease
Anorexia nervosa was first classified as a psychiatric (mental) disorder in 1980
and has since become a growing problem in the United States. The number of
cases has doubled since 1970, and experts now estimate that 0.5 to 1 percent
of all white females may be anorexic. About 90 percent of all anorexics are
female, although the number of males with the disorder is growing. The most
common age at which the disorder first appears is fourteen to eighteen years.
However, anorexia nervosa may begin later in life; some cases of the disorder
have been documented in infants. Studies indicate that the disorder is
increasing among women of all races and social classes in the United States.
Anorexia nervosa is a very dangerous disorder. It has a very high rate of
mortality (death). In addition, it can cause some serious long-term health
effects. These effects include a reduced rate of growth, dental problems,
constipation, stomach rupture, anemia (see anemia entry), loss of kidney
function, heart problems, and osteoporosis (weakening of the bones; see
osteoporosis entry).
CAUSES
The exact cause of anorexia nervosa is not known. However, a combination of
factors are believed to contribute to the disorder.
Social Influences
American society places high value on thinness among women. Many consider
being thin an essential part of beauty and young girls often think that they
must be slender to be attractive. Being thin is also equated with social
success. Images of girls and women in mass media (magazines, television,
and movies) have been blamed, in part, for reinforcing such stereotypes.
Some girls become anorexic as a form of copy-cat behavior. They imitate the
actions of other women whom they admire. Extreme dieting may be one of
these behaviors.
Occupational Goals
Some occupations traditionally expect women be slender. Dancers, fashion
models, gymnasts, and actresses are often expected to be very thin. A young
girl who aims for these careers may decide to pursue an extreme weight-loss
program.
Genetic and Biological Factors
Anorexia nervosa seems to run in some families. Women whose mothers or
sisters have the disorder are more likely to develop the condition than those
who do not have relatives with anorexia nervosa.
Psychological Factors
One factor possibly leading to anorexia nervosa is the way a person looks at
the world. Many theories have been developed to explain how an individual's
view of the world may lead to the disorder. Anorexia nervosa has been
interpreted as:
A fear of growing up. By becoming anorexic, a young girl may be able to
remain a child.
Dancers, gymnasts, and other female athletes often feel pressure to be very
thin. The pressure sometimes leads to eating disorders such as anorexia
nervosa.
Reaction to sexual assault or abuse.
A desire to remain weak and passive in the belief that men will find this
attractive.
A drive to be perfect in every part of life, whether it be school work or weight
control.
Response to family problems.
Biological or psychological problems caused by incorrect feeding experiences
at an early age.
SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of anorexia nervosa vary widely. In some people, they are very
severe. In others, they are quite mild. In most cases, anorexics tend to have
very thin bodies, dry or yellowish skin, and very low blood pressure. Young
girls often have amenorrhea (pronounced a-men-uh-REE-uh), the failure to
menstruate. They may also experience abdominal pain, constipation, and lack
of energy. Chills, the growth of downy body hair, and damaged tooth enamel
(from vomiting) are other symptoms of the condition.
DIAGNOSIS
Anorexia nervosa is often difficult to diagnose for a number of reasons. Most
people with the disorder deny that they have a problem. They may not get
professional help until a family member intervenes and takes them to a doctor.
Professional assistance in diagnosing this terrible illness is available by calling
Optima Specialty Hospital and scheduling an outpatient interview.
A physical examination and medical history will be conducted by the physician.
Other possible causes for symptoms must first be ruled out. Brain tumors,
diseases of the digestive tract, and other conditions can produce symptoms
similar to those of anorexia nervosa. Blood tests, urinalysis, and other tests
can be used to eliminate other possibilities.
Some psychiatric conditions also produce symptoms like those of anorexia
nervosa. Doctors may use certain written tests to distinguish between these
disorders and anorexia nervosa. The Eating Attitudes Test and the Eating
Disorder Inventory are two such tests.
TREATMENT
Treatment of anorexia nervosa is often quite complicated. The patient may
have to deal with immediate problems as well as long-range ones. A variety of
professional helpers may be needed. They may include psychiatrists or
psychologists, dietitians, and medical specialists in other areas. Treatment is
often difficult because of a patient's attitude. He or she may refuse to take the
steps necessary to be cured of the disorder.
Hospital Treatment
Although most cases of anorexia nervosa can be treated in an outpatient
setting, severe-acute anorexia may require hospital treatment. Some
symptoms that may lead to hospitalization include:
Anorexia nervosa is characterized by a fear of gaining weight, self-starvation,
and a distorted self-image.
A weight of 40 percent or more below normal, or weight loss of 30 pounds or
more over a three-month period
Severely disturbed metabolism (body reactions by which energy is produced)
Severe binging and purging
Signs of mental disorders
Severe depression or risk of suicide
Family crisis
Hospital treatment has two objectives. First, the patient is given the
opportunity to eat on a more normal schedule. In extreme cases, it may be
necessary to force-feed the patient. Second, he or she is provided with group
or individual counseling. The purpose of counseling is to help the patient
understand the reasons for his or her disorder.
Outpatient Treatment
Patients whose health is not seriously at risk can be treated on an out-patient
basis. Optima Specialty Hospital offers Outpatient services in a office setting.
The patient comes in for help but then goes home after the session is over.
Most outpatient services for anorexics involve counseling. The counseling can
be done on an individual basis or in groups. In some cases family therapy can
be helpful. Family therapy helps relatives of the anorexic to understand their
role in the patient's problems.
Medications
Drugs can sometimes by used to treat the psychological aspect of anorexia
nervosa. They may help patients become less depressed, less anxious, and
better able to think clearly about his or her problems.
PROGNOSIS
According to the best estimates available, about half of all anorexics make a
good physical and social recovery. About three-quarters gain weight. On a
long-term basis, about 10 percent of all anorexics eventually die from the
disorder. The most frequent causes of death are starvation, imbalances of
chemicals in the body, heart failure, and suicide.
PREVENTION
Anorexia nervosa is likely to remain a problem until overall changes in society
occur. As long as thinness is an ideal, anorexics will exist. Educational
programs in the schools and discussions at home can help young people to
think about and develop positive attitudes toward food, weight control, and
body image.
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