An Overview of Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia Nervosa (AN), known more simply as anorexia, is one of the more common types of eating disorders. Similar to some other eating disorders, individuals have an extreme fear of weight gain. What differentiates anorexia is that individuals have a misinterpreted body image where they perceive themselves to be overweight, even when underweight or within a normal healthy range. In trying to combat this perceived excess weight, individuals drastically limit the amount of food they consume so that their caloric intake falls well under recommended guidelines.
The causes of eating disorders like anorexia are not well understood and are thought to come from a variety of sources. Cultural influences from peers and the media that place great importance on a specific body image and type may play a great part in the development of anorexia, especially among adolescents. Biological factors may also be an underlying cause of anorexia, similar to personality disorders. There is some evidence that individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder may be predisposed to developing anorexia.
Because eating disorders are also associated with other psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, and other mental illnesses, diagnosing anorexia can be particularly difficult. In instances of dietary limitation, complications related to malnutrition and dehydration may arise including weakness and fatigue. Anorexia can lead to severe physical complications over time. In serious cases, organ problems, especially relating to the kidney and heart, may be found as well as early onset osteoporosis and menstrual problems in women.
Treatment options are highly specified to each individual. Combinations of varying methods are used and require long-term commitments as changes in behavior take time to make. Due to the obsessive-compulsive nature of anorexia, counseling with a psychologist is an important part of treatment for patients along with varying forms of behavioral therapy.
