Anorexia is a disorder that is often in the spotlight due to the strong influence of the media to have the perfect body. Even the thinnest models are photo shopped to appear thinner in magazines that are marketed to those in the pre-teen to young adult woman demographic group. Being bombarded by media images of unrealistic body shapes is not the only factor that can contribute to anorexia. Individuals who suffer from anorexia may also develop symptoms due to emotional or physical trauma, family history, the need to seek perfection, stress, or participation in a sport that requires a particular body size.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms that someone is suffering from anorexia include weight loss, excessive exercise, checking in the mirror compulsively, repeated comments regarding the need to lose weight, refusal to eat, pushing food around on the plate to hide the amount eaten, repeated visits to the bathroom after meals, fatigue, easy bruising, fainting, and overuse of laxatives, diuretics, and/or diet pills. Anorexia occurs in both males and females from pre-teen to older adult. If you or someone you know is experiencing even a few of the above signs there is an increased risk that there is an eating disorder, like anorexia, present or developing. It is a serious condition that requires specific interventions from qualified professionals and may require lifelong supervision.
When anorexia occurs in pre-pubescent children the effects can be manifold. Bone and brain development can be stunted due to malnourishment and can lead to difficulties in concentration and memory. Without proper nutrition the body seeks the nutrients required to sustain life by attacking the muscles of the body including the heart. Those with anorexia run the risk of early onset of osteoporosis, heart failure, amenorrhea, and increased risk of dangerously low blood pressure, fainting, and accidental injuries. Those that use laxatives or vomiting to expel the food from their body also run the risk of esophageal rupture, tooth loss, stomach ulcer, and gastro intestinal addiction to laxatives which can cause chronic constipation that can require medical intervention. Someone with anorexia may have skin that looks pale, unhealthy, dry, and blotchy. They may also have intense sensitivity to temperature and may be very cold even in warm conditions requiring many layers of clothing to feel comfortable. The worst side effect of anorexia is death, with up to as many as 20% of sufferers eventually dying from the disorder.
Treatment
Treatment for anorexia requires an intense, direct, and multi-modal approach. The condition is similar to those with addiction due to the denial the sufferer may have until the anorexia has become so severe that hospitalization is necessary. Day treatment or inpatient treatment is usually required to treat someone with anorexia. Anorexia is a disorder of the body and mind with both needing specialized attention. The behavior and daily habits of the client must be monitored consistently by a medical team, nutritionist, and psychotherapist. The social aspect and feeling of community of an inpatient program is important to improve the cognitive processes which drive the part of the disorder that is dependent upon stress and seclusion. Consistent monitoring of the physical activity of the client as well as regular checks of medical wellbeing are necessary to help the body to return to health. The focus on nutrition and new eating and living habits are a large part of therapy and will continue after the client is released from inpatient therapy or day treatment. Often the client attends counseling with family members and their personal support system so that when they are discharged their family will help them stick to the new habits. Dealing with anorexia is a long term process that requires intense willpower on the part of the client and long term support from family and friends.
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