Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia is an eating disorder due to psychological reasons. When the dieting of the person goes out of control leading to almost starvation, it is known as anorexia. The person feels a sense of control over there body. Women especially young girls are more affected by this problem.

Although the exact cause of this problem is yet to be found but experts say the pressure and demand of the society to be thin maybe the reason of causing anorexia. Advertisement and media add on to the pressure to look thin and attractive. And girls who have low self esteem get pushed towards this disorder. Some evidence also point towards this function in the part of the brain which regulates certain metabolic process.

Usually it’s not easy to diagnose this problem because the patient is in denial. They don’t expect that they have a problem until other medical problem comes along due to malnourishment, for example, fatigue, disturbed sleep, depression and social withdrawal. Generally individuals with anorexia are high achievers. Anorexia can affect the heart and circulatory system. Slow heart rate and low blood pressure is seen in such patients. It can also cause damage to the lever and endocrine system.

The treatment plan is made according to the specific needs of individuals. First step is to treat medical complications if any, then focus on weight gain by eliminating inappropriate weight control behavior and dealing with psychological reasons that have caused the problem. Although medication is also given sometimes but it is not very effective because all the problems are often result of starvation and they automatically start disappearing when the person starts gaining weight.

Remember, anorexia is a serious problem and should be dealt with as soon as possible. If you know anyone who is suffering from it, then advise them to enroll for professional councelling.