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The self-starvation that is common of anorexia nervosa is caused by a complex psychiatric disorder that afflicts about 1 in 100 Americans, mostly young girls or young women. Very few males are afflicted with this disease, they ones that are, are mostly weight-conscious young boys, who are dancers, gymnasts or other athletes. The cause of anorexia, a medical term for appetite loss, is unknown. Researchers believe that a combination of hormonal, social and psychological reasons may be responsible. The disease unfortunately begins with puberty, a time of hormonal and psychological changes. Many young girls are convinced that they are too fat, regardless of how much she weighs, and then she begins obsessive dieting. Some girls adopt a very strict diet and others may plan a large meal and then refuse to eat. When an anorexic does decide to eat, they may resort to self-induced vomiting or laxative abuse to avoid gaining weight. Many young girls, women or boys that have this condition may exercise obsessively, often for many hours a day.
As anorexia progresses there are many other problems that arise. In most of the young women that have this disease the menstruation ceases and nutritional deficiencies develop. Many young people that have anorexia try to hide how thin they are by wearing oversized clothes. This is a very emotional disorder, they are happy that they are not fat, but they are embarrassed at how thin they are. The physical side effects of anorexia include fatigue, nervousness or hyperactivity, dry skin, hair loss, and intolerance to the cold. There are many more serious complications that can and do arise often; these include cardiac arrhythmias, loss of bone mass and kidney failure. Anorexia is a serious disease that causes death in about ten percent of the cases reported.
There are treatments that can prevent this dreadful end. You must watch for the signs, since this disease deals with the emotions, people with anorexia need a lot of psychological support. Anorexia requires an intensive long-term treatment program. It is best to seek treatment from a team of physicians that are experienced with eating disorders. The team should consist of a doctor to treat the starvation-induced medical problems, a psychiatrist and a dietitian. Anorexia does not only afflict the one individual, but this is a trying time for the whole family that is involved. It is best to seek counseling for the whole family as well.
Many anorexics tend to be defensive about their eating habits and will be resistant to being treated. Most anorexics can be treated on an outpatient basis, but with more severe cases hospitalization may be required and intravenous nutritional therapy may be needed. The biggest problem is to help the anorexic overcome the abnormal fear of food and the distorted self-image of being fat. When counseling begins it is aimed at uncovering the source of these fears.
When the treatments begin most patients will be offered small portions of nutritious and easily digestible foods. Eggs, custards, soups and milk shakes are usually on the first menu. Gradually over time the portion sizes and the variety of foods are increased to achieve a steady weight gain. Gratefully this does not require large amounts of food. Doctor’s look to promote a varied diet that provides protein for rebuilding lost tissue, carbohydrates for energy and a small amount of fat for the extra calories. Anorexics will need extra calcium and multivitamin pills to help with the large loss the body has sustained.
Many anorexics have had much practice at deceiving others about their eating habits, because of this patients are monitored closely to make sure that they are really eating. At the same time they strive not to make food the constant source of attention and conflict. At this point group therapy is greatly suggested instead of the parent-nagging syndrome.
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