Disease, Illness and Condition Library
Anorexia Nervosa
- Anorexia is a common eating disorder.
Eating disorders are grouped in three
different categories:
1. Refusing to maintain a minimally normal
body weight (anorexia nervosa),
2. Bingeing and purging (bulimia nervosa)
3. Bingeing without purging (binge eating
disorder).
All types of eating disorders are dramatically
more common in women than in men.
Anorexia Nervosa
This condition is characterized by a distorted body image, a great fear of
becoming obese, refusal to maintain a minimally normal body weight, and in
women, the absence of menstrual periods.
Hereditary factors have been shown to play a role in the development of
anorexia nervosa. Social factors are also important. The desire to be thin
is obsessive in Western society, and obesity is considered unattractive,
unhealthy, and generally undesirable. Even before adolescence, children
are aware of these beliefs and almost seventy percent of all adolescent girls’
diet or take other measures to control their weight. Yet only a small percentage
of these girls develop anorexia nervosa. Other factors, such as physiologic
susceptibility, probably predispose certain people to developing anorexia
nervosa. In areas where starvation is common or genuine food shortage
occur, anorexia nervosa is rare.
Approximately ninety five percent of people who have anorexia nervosa are
female. This disorder usually begins in adolescence, seldom earlier, and less
commonly in adulthood. Anorexia nervosa principally affects people in middle and
upper socioeconomic classes. In Western society, the number of people who
have this disorder seems to be on the increase. The latest estimates show that
this condition affects about 1% of girls ages 12 to 18.
Symptoms
Anorexia nervosa may be mild and transient or severe and persistent. Because
numerous people who develop anorexia nervosa are meticulous, compulsive,
and intelligent, with very high standards for achievement and success, an eating
disorder may easily go undetected. The first indication of the looming disorder
may be a subtle increased concern with diet and body weight. Such concerns
seem out of place, because most people who have anorexia nervosa are
already thin. Obsession and anxiety about weight increase as the person
becomes thinner. Even when emaciated, the person claims to feel fat, denies
that anything is wrong, does not complain about weight loss, and usually does
not seek medical attention until a concerned relative or family member takes
drastic action.
The literal meaning of Anorexia is “lack of appetite,” but people who have
anorexia nervosa are actually hungry and preoccupied with food. They count
calories and study diets; they hoard, conceal and waste food on purpose;
they collect recipes; and they prepare elaborate meals for others. About fifty
percent of people with this condition binge and then purge by vomiting or
taking laxatives. The other half simple limit the amount of food they consume.
They also commonly fib about the amount of food they eat and conceal their
vomiting and peculiar dietary habits. Many also take diuretics to treat
perceived bloating.
Women with anorexia nervosa stop having periods, sometimes before losing
much weight. Women and men with the disorder may lose interest in sex.
Typically, they have a low heart rate, low blood pressure, low body temperature,
swelling of tissues caused by fluid accumulation (edema), and fine, soft hair or
excessive body and facial hair. People with anorexia nervosa who become very
thin tend to remain active, often exercising excessively to control their weight.
Until they become emaciated, however, they have few symptoms of nutritional
deficiencies. Depression is common.
Hormonal changes resulting from anorexia nervosa include noticeably reduced
levels or estrogen (in women) and thyroid hormone and increased levels of
cortisol (the stress hormone). If a person becomes seriously malnourished,
every major organ system in the body is likely to become affected. When
weight loss has been severe or rapid – for example, more than twenty five
percent below the ideal body weight - restoring body weight quickly is vital;
such weight loss and the associated changes in electrolytes and fluid balance
can be life threatening. Problems with heart and with fluids and electrolytes
(chloride, potassium, sodium) are the most dangerous. The heart gets weaker
and pumps less blood through the body. The person may become dehydrated
and susceptible to fainting. The blood may become alkaline (a condition called
metabolic alkalosis), and potassium levels in the blood may decrease.
Vomiting and taking laxatives and diuretics can worsen the situation.
Sudden death, probably from abnormal heart rhythms, may occur.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Anorexia nervosa is usually diagnosed on the basis of severe weight loss
and the characteristic psychologic symptoms. The classic person with this
condition is an adolescent girl who has lost at least fifteen percent of her
body weight, has a fear of obesity, stops having menstrual periods, is in
denial of being sick, while otherwise appearing to be healthy.
Treatment has two phases: short term intervention to restore body weight
and save the person’s life and long term therapy to improve psychologic
functioning and avoid relapse.
The initial treatment of severe or rapid weight loss is best provided in a
hospital or medical facility where experienced staff members firmly but
gently encourage the person to eat. Rarely, the person is fed intravenously
or by a tube inserted through the nose and passed into the stomach.
Sometimes doctors confine those with severe cases in the hospital against
their will after obtaining proper legal authorization from a parent, guardian,
or the court.
When the person’s nutritional status improves and stabilizes, long term
therapy is begun. Treatment is aimed at establishing a calm, concerned,
stable environment while encouraging the consumption of an adequate
amount of food. The treatment may include individual, group, and family
psychotherapy as well as drug therapy. Combined treatment by the family
doctor and a therapist often helps, and consultation with or referral to a
specialist in the field of eating disorders is wise.
When depression is diagnosed, antidepressants are prescribed. Certain
antidepressants, chiefly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are useful
for preventing relapse after weight has been restored.
As many as ten to twenty percent of people diagnosed with anorexia nervosa
die of it and its complications, which include fluid and electrolyte abnormalities,
heart failure, and suicide resulting from depression. However, because mild
cases may not be diagnosed, no one knows exactly how many people have
anorexia nervosa or what percentage die of it.
- Certain natural remedies may be able to assist with some of the symptoms of
anxiety and depression associated with Anorexia without the negative side effects
of prescription medications, but with all the benefits.
Natural Herbal and Homeopathic Remedies
Herbal formulas that are frequently used for anorexia are Melissa Officinalis
(Lemon Balm), Lavender and Passiflora Incarnata – to soothe the mind and
calm the nerves. Some herbal remedies (e.g. Hypericum perforatum or
St John’s Wort) have been very successful in balancing mood, improving self
esteem and stabilizing thoughts – thereby providing a sound platform for
recovery. MindSoothe supports a healthy motivated attitude, facilitates a
reasonable attitude and lessens the burden on pressured minds.
MindSooth also supports healthy sleep patterns and routine appetite.
- Sources:
Merck Manual of Medica Informtion
The Medical Advisor
Native Remedies Health Library
Helpful Supplements for Anorexia Nervosa
MindSoothe - Promote balanced mood and feelings of wellbeing - Continue
PureCalm - Aids nervous system in stress resistance for balanced moods and
feelings of well being - Continue
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| Call Your Doctor If: * Your child or teenager is obessed with dieting and continues to feel fat, usually after a major weight loss. * Your child chronically uses laxatives, diuretics, emetics, or diet pills. * Your child overexercises to lose weight. * Your child is preoccupied with food, calories, and food preparation. |
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