Eating disorders are a very serious problem that affects many women. One of the most dangerous of eating disorders is known as anorexia nervosa. Approximately 7 percent of American women suffer from this condition. This is a psychologically based disorder that makes a person perceive themselves as overweight when they are in fact malnourished and extremely thin. Many teenage girls are affected by anorexia nervosa due to the media culture that pushes the concept of extreme thinness as attractive for young girls. Our culture tends to portray beauty by size. Girls are very impressionable at this age and will go to great lengths to achieve what they believe is beauty. Many adult women also battle with this disorder. Oftentimes these individuals feel powerless and by controlling their calories they feel they have control over their lives and extreme willpower.
Causes of the disorder: There are a variety of causes for this disorder. Researchers have found that anorexia usually develops in families where one person has already become anorexic. It seems that environmental factors play a role in anorexia. For example, if a sibling is anorexic it is more likely that another family member may develop it. This may also be related to family dynamics such as tendencies to be overemotional and perfectionists. Anorexia therefore can be a learned behavior that is then modeled by other family members. Cultural influences: Our media is relentless in its portrayal of the ideal woman as being very thin. The image is contradictory to the natural female shape and it is very difficult if not impossible for most women to achieve that level of thinness. It is also extremely unhealthy. The models in fashion magazines have figures that are extremely underweight and these are the role models that teens and women look at when judging themselves and their own bodies.
Behavioral symptoms of anorexia nervosa: This disorder can be deadly. If you are aware of someone who has this eating disorder they need to have immediate medical intervention because it can be life saving for them. Believing that they are overweight these individuals refuse to eat and are terrified at the thought of gaining any weight at all. Women and girls who have this disorder will exhibit an extreme dislike of their own physical body. They are ironically, obsessed with food. They will think and talk about food all the time in a negative fashion. They will compulsively plan out their eating activities. Sufferers also may display very competitive behavior in other areas of their life. They will have perfectionist tendencies as they are very unhappy with themselves and feel that they are not good enough. As the condition worsens and their bodies weaken they may develop mood disorders from lack of nutrition. Depression, mood swings and difficulty sleeping may occur. Physical symptoms include extreme weight loss, dry skin, tooth loss, constipation, and lack of menstruation and lowered heart rate. These physical symptoms can become a very dangerous health concern.
Diagnosis: A medical professional will conduct a variety of tests to determine if the condition is anorexia. This will include a battery of psychological testing as well as physical exams, blood and urine tests. Intervention: If you believe that your loved one or a friend suffers with anorexia you need to intervene and provide them with the support they need to overcome this dreadful condition. The best approach is a calm approach because the individual is suffering from a psychological disorder and may feel that you are attacking them and that what you are saying is not true. Try not to judge them harshly but rather be kind and supportive. Provide them with a safe environment where they can freely discuss their feelings. They may deny that there is any problem. However some people may respond at this point and open up about hurts or reasons why they are unhappy with their weight. This is a very helpful first step. You do not want to alienate them and make the problem even worse as it is a delicate situation to deal with.
Treatment Centers: There are many reputable treatment centers that deal specifically with this disorder. This is where medical doctors and trained counselors can help the individual dealing with anorexia. Getting them into a good program is essential to their well being. They need to be under a doctor?s care to ensure that their physical health does not deteriorate. Psychological counseling as well as possible medication can become part of an effective treatment program. Throughout this process, the person should continue to receive as much support and encouragement from family and friends as possible. This is a battle that can end in victory or defeat. It is a very serious condition and it may be something that the person may have to deal with for the rest of their lives.
Article source: http://ezinearticles.com/6938392
Source: http://medicaltips.biz/2012/03/19/the-dangers-of-anorexia-nervosa/
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