Anorexia Nervosa

People might lose their appetite sometimes due to certain reasons, but in the case of anorexia nervosa, the patient has anorexia for a long time, which leads to serious complications if it isn’t managed.

Anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that intentionally makes the patient eat less out of fear of gaining weight. Anorexia nervosa affects anyone, but it’s more common in females.

Causes of anorexia nervosa

There isn’t a specific cause for anorexia nervosa, and the researchers think that it’s the result of a combination of factors, such as:

• Genetic factors.
• Environmental and cultural factors that focus on the shape of the body and that put people under pressure in order to get to a specific body shape.
• Emotional traumas.
• A change in the balance of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.
• Being bullied and mocked by surrounding people.

Symptoms of anorexia nervosa

The symptoms of anorexia nervosa differ depending on the effect of starvation on the brain, and it can’t only be relied on how the patient is thin because some patients might not appear very thin. Moreover, anorexia nervosa might come as completely restricting the food amount or passing through periods in which the patient goes through binge-eating and then makes themselves vomit.

Physical symptoms

• The weight of the patient is less than normal.
• Not gaining weight as supposed with aging.
• Extreme fatigue and weakness.
• Arrhythmias.
• Dizziness and fainting.
• Low blood pressure.
• Not being able to tolerate cold weather.
• Dry skin.
• The hair breaks or falls out.
• The teeth wear away.
• Abdominal pain.
• Constipation.
• Decreased bone density.
• Increased illnesses.
• Not being able to concentrate.

Emotional and behavioral symptoms

• Extreme fear of gaining weight.
• Continuous focusing on the body shape.
• Sleeping problems.
• Continuous self-criticizing.
• Isolation.
• Excessive physical activity.

Complications of anorexia nervosa

• Anemia.
• Liver and kidney damage.
• Heart problems.
• Osteoporosis.
• Loss of muscle mass.
• Irregular periods in females.
• Infertility.
• Delayed puberty and physical growth.
• Peripheral neuropathy.
• Insomnia.
• Depression and anxiety.
• Death in some cases.

Diagnosis of anorexia nervosa

• The diagnosis is made depending on certain criteria according to the patient’s behaviors and symptoms.
• Some tests are made, such as physical examination, blood tests, and other tests, in addition to a mental evaluation.

Treatment of anorexia nervosa

• Psychotherapy.
• Some medications.
• The patient must follow a specific diet.
• Family and friends support.