Anorexia
What Is Anorexia???
Anorexia is an eating disorder characterised by extreme dieting to the point of starvation and an anorexic person is unable to discriminate between normal and abnormal body images. It is commonest among young girls and may be caused by social, genetic or psychological factors, or a combination of these.
The incidence of anorexia is increasing but it is not known whether this is due to better reporting and diagnosis of anorexia or whether it is increasing in real terms.
Anorexia is commonest in women between 10 and 30 years of age. In rare cases, it can present in adulthood or before puberty. Many more girls than boys are affected and it is only seen in countries where thinness is considered desirable.
Research suggests that young people who diet during early adolescence are at particular risk of developing eating disorders later in life.
What Are The Causes Of Anorexia???
Psychological/emotional factors. Anorexia has been variously described as 'the slimmer's disease', 'a relentless pursuit of thinness' and 'a morbid fear of fatness'. However, for many sufferers anorexia is not just about dieting or losing weight, rather it is an outward sign of deep psychological and emotional turmoil. Their behaviour may be an unconscious attempt to avoid or control painful feelings, a way of asserting control over life or a reaction to stress.
Psychological characteristics that can make a person more likely to develop anorexia nervosa include, low self-esteem, Feelings of ineffectiveness, Need to feel special or unique, Avoidance of conflict with others, Physical or sexual abuse, Perfectionism, Need for control, Rigid thinking patterns, Difficulty expressing feelings, Depression, Poor body image.
Social pressure in society can also be a factor for anorexia. Stick thin magazine fashion models as well as skinny teen pop idols all help reinforce the idea that to be successful or loved you have to be thin. In many societies, being extremely thin is the standard of beauty for women and represents success, happiness, and self-control. Women are bombarded with messages from the media that they must diet to meet this standard. However, this idealized ultra-thin body shape is almost impossible for most women to achieve since it does not fit with the biological and inherited factors that determine natural body weight. This conflict leaves most women very dissatisfied with their body weight and shape.
More recently, pressure has also increased on men to be lean and muscular. In addition, in certain occupations (such as dancing, modelling, and sports like gymnastics, figure skating, running, and wrestling), the pressure to maintain a specific weight and appearance is especially strong. To the right is a picture of Paris Hilton. This is the type of image that teenagers are constantly exposed to. The pressure is on for them for look like their idol so can fell "normal". The image of Paris Hilton is deemed to be normal in western society
People with anorexia nervosa often ...
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More recently, pressure has also increased on men to be lean and muscular. In addition, in certain occupations (such as dancing, modelling, and sports like gymnastics, figure skating, running, and wrestling), the pressure to maintain a specific weight and appearance is especially strong. To the right is a picture of Paris Hilton. This is the type of image that teenagers are constantly exposed to. The pressure is on for them for look like their idol so can fell "normal". The image of Paris Hilton is deemed to be normal in western society
People with anorexia nervosa often appear emotionally driven not only toward weight loss, but also in other areas of their life, such as schoolwork, physical fitness, or career. It has also been suggested that in some cases of anorexia nervosa, self-starvation may be a way to avoid the sexual and social demands associated with adolescence.
One of the problems in determining which traits may cause anorexia nervosa is that the weight loss itself causes certain psychological disturbances to develop. These may include depression, anxiety, irritability, mood swings, obsessive thinking, and feelings of inadequacy, social withdrawal, and personality changes. Thus, some of the traits that occur in anorexia nervosa may be a result, rather than a cause, of the disorder.
Parental and family attitudes can be factor that can cause anorexia. Family appear to have an effect and it is found that eating disorders appear to run in families-usually affecting only the women. One study found that mothers who are overly concerned about their daughters' weight and physical attractiveness--along with overly critical fathers and brothers-may put girls at increased risk of developing an eating disorder.
What would be the symptoms of someone suffering of anorexia???
Physical symptoms
* Extreme loss of weight in the absence of illnesses such as cancer
* Abnormal levels of activity, including excessive exercising
* Sleeplessness, the person often does not feel fatigued despite exhausting restlessness
* Slow pulse and low blood pressure, which can cause fainting
* Low body temperature, person feels cold all the time, even in hot weather
* A layer of fine downy hair grows all over the body
* Cessation of normal menstruation
* Low blood potassium levels, which usually indicate the use of laxatives to purge food
Psychological symptoms
* An abnormal drive to lose weight even if the person is not overweight
* History of psychological disturbance and conflict with one or both parents
* A refusal to acknowledge that there is a problem
* Distortion of body image - people see themselves as grossly obese even when their ribs are sticking out
* Denial of femininity in female sufferers
* "A-type" personality - an urge to over-achieve and a tendency to severe self-criticism
* Constant preoccupation with food - while they themselves are starving to death, they often cook vast meals for other members of the family
* Craftiness. Patients hide food that they are supposed to have eaten, refuse treatment, flush tablets prescribed as part of their treatment down the toilet and do everything to outwit those who are trying to help them overcome their illness.
How is anorexia treated???
Treatment will vary depending on the individual circumstances. There is no one single treatment that has proven to be effective in all cases. Treatment aims to:
* Restore the person to a healthy weight.
* Restore healthy eating patterns.
* Treat any physical complications or associated mental health problems.
* Address thoughts, feelings and beliefs concerning food and body image.
* Enlist family support.
In some cases, medication is necessary, especially where there is depression or serious compulsive symptoms. Treatment by the family doctor is possible, although sometimes a psychologist or psychiatrist experienced in eating disorders is necessary. If the weight loss becomes serious (more than 20-25 per cent less than total normal body weight) admission to hospital may be required. Treatments used include individual psychological therapy, family therapy and drug therapy using antidepressants. Anorexia nervosa is a potentially life-threatening illness, and should be treated as soon as possible. Sufferers should seek help, or be encouraged to do so. Self-help organisations for anorexia nervosa are usually run by people with personal experiences of eating disorders. There are also self-help books available.
In some cases, prevention may not be possible. Encouraging healthy, realistic attitudes toward weight and diet may be helpful. Sometimes, counselling can help.
Men and Anorexia
Eating disorders know no barriers. They strike both females and males of all ages and all races. There's no doubt more women suffer from these illnesses, but men need to know they are susceptible --especially now as society ups the pressure for males to be picture perfect.
For years it was the women bombarded with pictures of ultra slim models. Now, there are increasing images of the perfect male. Guys with rippling muscles and impossibly lean physiques. Some experts say these messages are a recipe for self-destruction as boys and men reach for the unattainable.
"About 10 percent of people with eating disorders are males" And that's probably an underestimated number, probably many more of them have it." One example is of a man called. He was a cyclist in college he felt the perfect body would give him a leg up on competition. He began to cut the fat out of his diet and work out constantly. He never would take off for rest. "I remember, you know, one day I was really ill, and I still said I'm going to train this day and I ended up passing out afterward because I was so exhausted." The change in John's appearance was dramatic. His weight went from a high of 185 in high school to a low of 129 in college.
Experts believe those who fall victim to eating disorders think if they look better and live up to ideal images --they will feel better. Many start out just wanting to lose a few pounds or add some muscle. But, using food to cope with a feeling of inadequacy is usually where the trouble begins.
That might be that they have a low sense of self and they might feel more powerful when they can lose weight. That might be that they have an addictive personality, they've somehow become addicted to food as though it were a drug.'
There is an increase in the number of male teenagers suffering from a disease which was once associated with women.
But, there are discreet ways to get help through organizations and since he began getting treatment, John is slowly gaining back his self esteem and his body.
What are the warning signs for eating disorders?
* weight increase or decrease
* The development of abnormal eating habits such as severe dieting or secretive bingeing.
* Compulsive or excessive exercising and intense preoccupation with body weight and image.
Eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and compulsive overeating. All can have life threatening consequences not only for girls and women but for also for boys and men.
