Obsessive thinking about food, appearance, and body are the hallmarks of anorexia nervosa, and eating disorder. Along with its effects on mental health, this condition can lead to very serious, potentially life-threatening, physical symptoms. That is why people with anorexia require comprehensive support to manage the condition and improve their quality of life.
While many people with this eating disorder are severely underweight, that is not always the case. It is possible to appear a normal weight or even overweight and still face the risks associated with anorexia.
It’s not fully understood what causes this eating disorder, but researchers have identified certain contributing factors. Changes in brain chemistry, genetics, environment, emotional issues, and episodes of trauma are believed to play a role.
As for symptoms, they are broken down into two categories:
And while it is not always a factor, people with this eating disorder may also lose substantial amounts of weight over a relatively short period or be unable to maintain a healthy weight.
The prolonged malnutrition associated with anorexia can lead to sometimes irreversible health effects. People may experience damage to the kidneys and liver, infertility, osteoporosis, and cardiac arrest. In the very young, there is also a risk of delayed growth and puberty.
While classified as a mental health condition, anorexia can have a significant impact on a person’s physical health as well. Accordingly, there are many facets to treatment to ensure the patient’s health needs are fully met:
When a person is severely underweight, hospitalization is typically required to help them stabilize. In the hospital, doctors can check vital signs and determine whether there are any serious health issues that need addressed. Patients can also be provided with nutritious food within a hospital or clinical setting, which is crucial to establishing a healthy weight.
Counselling can help you change your thoughts and feelings about weight, appearance, and dieting. Along with individual psychotherapy, family therapy is often beneficial, particularly for younger patients. Group therapy is another form of counselling that can allow people with anorexia to receive support from others with similar struggles.
When nutritional deficits are an issue, healthcare providers may recommend vitamins and supplements to support your healthy diet. And while it might not be an option for everyone, an antipsychotic drug called olanzapine can be used to increase a person’s weight.