Anorexia Nervosa: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Anorexia Nervosa: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
September 21 2024 TalktoAngel 0 comments 2051 Views
What Is Anorexia Nervosa?
Individuals who suffer from an extreme eating disorder called anorexia nervosa can grow excessively thin. It is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, even when a person's weight is already very low.
People who suffer from anorexia frequently have a skewed perception of their bodies, perceiving themselves as much larger than they are. They may then drastically restrict their food intake, engage in excessive exercise, or resort to dangerous weight-loss strategies like vomiting or laxatives. Slowed heart rate and bone loss are just two of the serious physical adverse effects of anorexia. Additionally, it can hurt mental health, raising the risk of conditions including anxiety, despair, and low self-esteem. However, anorexia is a disorder that can be treated. With the help of experts, who may provide counseling, dietary guidance, and sometimes medication, individuals with anorexia can conquer their dread of acquiring weight, develop a healthy connection towards food ultimately their physical health, and make a full recovery.
What signs and symptoms are present in anorexia?
Emotional and mental signs of anorexia
- Distorted perception of one's body
- Fear of putting on weight
- Fear of eating
Behavioural signs of anorexia
- Overindulgence in physical activity
- Fixation on preparing meals
- Unusual eating habits
Physical signs and symptoms of anorexia
- Significant reduction in weight
- Fatigue or lethargic
- Dry or discolored skin
- Hair loss
- Breakable nails
- A sleeplessness
- Feeling lightheaded or faint
- Women not having their menstrual cycle
What causes anorexia?
The causes of Anorexia Nervosa are complex and multifaceted, involving a combination of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors and others.
Biological Factors:
- Genetics: Individuals with a family history of eating disorders or other mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety may be at higher risk.
- Brain Chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters, particularly serotonin, which regulates mood and appetite, may contribute to the development of anorexia.
- Hormonal Changes: Anorexia may be brought on by hormonal imbalances, which can impact mood and behaviour, particularly during puberty.
Psychological Factors:
- Perfectionism: Many individuals with anorexia have a strong desire for perfectionism, setting unrealistically high standards for themselves.
- Low Self-Esteem: Anorexia can arise as a result of having a poor opinion of oneself and feeling inadequate.
- Control Issues: Restricting food intake may be a way for individuals to exert control over their lives, especially in response to stress or trauma.
Sociocultural Factors:
- Cultural Pressures: Societal emphasis on thinness and the idealization of slim body types can lead to body dissatisfaction and the pursuit of extreme dieting.
- Media Influence: Exposure to images of thin models and celebrities in the media can reinforce unrealistic body standards.
- Peer Pressure: Social environments that prioritize appearance and weight can contribute to the onset of anorexia, particularly in adolescents and young adults.
Environmental Factors:
- Trauma or Abuse: A history of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse can increase the risk of developing anorexia as a coping mechanism.
- Family Dynamics: Dysfunctional family relationships, such as over-protectiveness, high expectations, or a lack of emotional support, can contribute to the disorder.
- Dieting History: Anorexia may be more likely to develop in people who have previously tried dieting or weight loss, especially if the previous attempt resulted in an obsession with food or weight.
Other Contributing Factors:
- Stressful Life Events: Neurvosa can be triggered by any recurrent unpleasant occurrence, such as moving, starting an unfamiliar institution, or experiencing a loved one's death.
- Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders: Conditions like anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) often co-occur with anorexia, exacerbating its severity.
What is the treatment for anorexia?
The treatment for Anorexia Nervosa typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, addressing the physical, psychological, and social aspects of the disorder. Treatment is often long-term and requires ongoing support. Here’s an overview of the primary components of treatment:
1. Medical Treatment:
Medical Monitoring: Regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is crucial to assess vital signs, electrolyte levels, and other physical health indicators, as anorexia can lead to severe medical complications.
2. Psychotherapy:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), a popular and well-known therapy, is one of the greatest anorexia treatments and therapies. It assists patients in recognizing and disputing false beliefs regarding food, weight, and body image. The development of healthy coping strategies is another goal of CBT.
- Family-Based Therapy (FBT): Especially effective for adolescents, FBT involves the family in the treatment process. It empowers parents to take an active role in ensuring their child eats properly and works on rebuilding healthy family dynamics.
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): IPT focuses on improving relationships and communication skills, which can help reduce the triggers that contribute to anorexia.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT can be useful in helping individuals manage intense emotions and reduce harmful behaviours associated with anorexia.
3. Medication:
Certain medications can assist patients in controlling co-occurring mental health issues including depression or anxiety.
4. Nutritional Counseling:
- Meal Planning: A dietitian can help create a balanced eating plan that meets the individual’s nutritional needs while gradually increasing caloric intake to achieve a healthy weight.
- Education: Nutritional counselling often includes education about normal eating patterns, the importance of a balanced diet, and the physiological effects of starvation and malnutrition.
5. Support Groups:
- Group Therapy: Engaging in group therapy alongside individuals struggling with eating problems can offer emotional support and combat feelings of loneliness.
- Support Networks: Encouraging involvement with supportive friends, family, or community groups can help reinforce positive changes and offer ongoing encouragement.
6. Alternative and Complementary Therapies:
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Techniques like mindfulness can help individuals become more aware of their thoughts and feelings, reducing the urge to engage in disordered eating behaviours.
- Art and Expressive Therapies: These therapies allow individuals to express emotions and thoughts that may be difficult to articulate verbally, offering an additional outlet for healing.
7. Long-Term Follow-Up and Relapse Prevention:
- Ongoing Therapy: Continuous or intermittent therapy sessions may be necessary to prevent relapse and address any lingering issues related to self-esteem, body image, and coping skills.
- Relapse Prevention Plans: Developing a relapse prevention plan that includes recognizing early signs of relapse, coping strategies, and a support network can be crucial for long-term recovery.
8. Holistic and Lifestyle Approaches:
- Stress Management: Stress and worry are major causes of anorexia, thus methods like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help control them.
- Physical Activity: Encouraging healthy, moderate physical activity can improve overall well-being, though it must be carefully monitored to avoid over-exercising.
Effective treatment for anorexia requires patience, persistence, and the collaboration of professionals, family, and friends. It's important to note that recovery from anorexia is not a linear process and can involve setbacks and challenges. With the right support and treatment, however, individuals with anorexia can regain their physical and emotional health and go on to lead fulfilling lives. For those seeking help, online counselling can be a valuable resource. Consider reaching out to TalktoAngel, where you can find the best psychologists in India who specialize in treating eating disorders and supporting recovery.
Contributed by: Dr (Prof) R K Suri, Clinical Psychologist & Life Coach & Ms. Swati Yadav, Counselling Psychologist
References
- Morris J, Twaddle S. Anorexia nervosa. BMJ. 2007 Apr 28;334(7599):894-8. doi: 10.1136/bmj.39171.616840.BE
- Xiao, Haiyang. (2023). Anorexia Nervosa: Etiology, Impact, and Treatment. Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media. DOI:10.54254/2753-7048/7/2022897
- Cleveland Clinic: Anorexia Nervosa https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9794-anorexia-nervosa
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