Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe eating disorder. It is one of the most serious disorders, with the highest mortality rates of any mental illness. This condition can cause a number of problems, including anemia, infertility, and kidney damage. However, treatment can reverse the serious complications of AN.
Symptoms of anorexia range from mild to severe, and there are several different types of the disease. The most common is binge eating. Binge eating is characterized by an intense desire to eat a large amount of food. When binge eating is occurring, the individual feels they have no control over the eating behavior. There are a number of ways to prevent binge eating. Some people choose to use laxatives or diuretics. Others engage in behaviors such as self-induced vomiting and excessive exercise.
Anorexia nervosa is most common among adolescents and young women, but it can affect anyone. Girls are at higher risk than boys. Symptoms are typically triggered by stressful relationships or situations, and may include a persistent fear of gaining weight. People are also at higher risk if they have a family history of the disorder. Among first-generation immigrants from Asia, the rate of the disorder is especially high.
Symptoms of AN are similar to those of binge eating, but are often accompanied by emotional issues and obsessive-compulsive personality traits. Patients may have a strong desire to control their environment and they may have constant thoughts about food and body image. In addition, they may have a high level of anxiety.
There are two main subtypes of anorexia nervosa. The first is a binge/purge type. Binge-purge anorexics engage in binge eating and then purge themselves. They may make themselves vomit, drink laxatives, or use diuretics to rid themselves of the food they have consumed.
The second subtype of AN is an atypical type. An atypical type is characterized by a baseline weight that is above average. Other characteristics of this group are low levels of self-satisfaction and perfectionism. Typically, patients with atypical anorexia are not underweight, but may have lost a great deal of weight. Occasionally, these individuals may develop other eating disorders.
Those who are at risk for developing anorexia should discuss their situation with their primary care physician. Their doctor will be able to identify early signs of the condition and refer them to a therapist. Treatment for anorexia can help the patient regain normal eating habits and reduce the risk of relapse. Although inpatient treatments are not always effective, residential behavioral specialty programs can be very successful at normalizing eating patterns.
Regardless of the type of anorexia you or a loved one has, the important thing is to get the treatment you need. Many people with this condition have been helped by therapy and long-term support. Getting treatment for anorexia can be beneficial for you, your family, and your future. Take the time to learn more about AN today.
Eating disorders can be a frightening condition for everyone involved. A person with anorexia can experience extreme anxiety, difficulty eating in public, and even loss of hair. For the sufferer, gaining weight can lead to severe anxiety and health complications.
