Anorexia is an eating disorder but the cause is yet to be established. It is more of a psychological disorder wherein factors like body image, self esteem, genetic factors and social pressure are likely to play an important role. It is most common in adolescent females and affects women than men. Women suffering from this disease want to be perfect in everything and are displeased with their body. People with Anorexia are associated with compulsive behavior. They might become obsessed with food and often project their efforts to control their diet and weight.
On the other hand men suffering from Anorexia are likely to have psychological problems. Children suffering from this disease are at risk for slow development and growth. It can also lead to a stage of malnutrition due to extreme dieting and weight loss.
What are the signs of anorexia? Though anorexia is characterized by various signs but here are some important ones.
• Severe and sudden weight loss
• Obsessed with food and their appearance
• Too preoccupied with food
• Avoid dining or eating at social gatherings
• Withdrawal from public especially that involves food
• Lying about the food habits
• Cutting food in particular way and eating only one type of food
• Subject to large number of health problems
• Abusing laxatives and diet pills
• Show signs of bulimia which is vomiting after eating
• Exercise excessively
If you find anyone with such issues then encourage them to go for treatment.
Causes of AnorexiaTill now no definite cause has been found out for Anorexia, therefore Medical and Psychological Science till continues to explore its possibilities. Scientists are of the idea that genetic component can be one of the causes of this disease. While other reasons suggest that it can be due to dysfunction in certain portion of brain known as hypothalamus. Even imbalances in neurotransmitter levels in brain can result in this disease. In infants anorexia can occur due to feeding problems and even personal characteristics can lead to this disease like high level of perfection and negative feelings.
Sometimes Anorexia is also due to social and cultural cause. In some countries being slim and trim is regarded as status symbol. On the other hand being overweight is often looked down. Due to this idea men and women have gone for high amount of diet pills and even starved to become thin.
Diagnosis of AnorexiaThe first step towards diagnosis of Anorexia is to find out eating disorder in a person. Often the person suffering from this disease needs to be compelled by their family members that he or she is suffering from this disease. There are some that can self diagnose this condition like being allergic to carbohydrates. The person can produce gastrointestinal problems, palpitation, dizziness and weakness.
After this an Eating Disorders Examination ( EDE) is conducted in which the patient and doctor are being interviewed. It is valid test for assessing eating disorder and determining specific features of an individual.
Treatment of AnorexiaTreating Anorexia patients is not that easy because one requires team approach. Doctors should immediately treat patients with any kind of medical condition suffering from this disease which can be hormonal deficiencies including reproductive and thyroid hormones. Psychotherapy and nutrition rehabilitation are major part of anorexia treatment.