Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by an obsessive fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and failure to keep the body within a healthy weight range. Voluntary starvation occurs as a means to stay thin. In addition, an anorexic person may exercise obsessively or abuse diet pills or diuretic drugs.
There are psychological, social, and genetic components associated with the cause of Anorexia Nervosa, as well as environmental factors that contribute. Primarily, young woman and teenage girls are affected in cultures that focus on body image and thinness. However, both men and woman of all ages can be affected.
In addition to dramatic weight loss due to starvation, symptoms of Anorexia include low blood pressure and body temperature, a slow heart beat, brittle hair and finger nails, hair loss, slow or stunted growth, dry skin, dehydration, amenorrhea, and lanugo. Amenorrhea is the absence of a menstrual period. Many anorexic teens and women stop having periods or don't get them on a regular schedule. Lanugo is the growth of soft, fine hairs all over the body, but particularly occurs in the face and on the back of the arms. This is seen more commonly in advanced stages of Anorexia Nervosa.
Anorexia Nervosa is a very serious illness, and eating disorder, that poses long term health threats including blood problems due to anemia, gastrointestinal problems, multi-organ failure, neurological problems such as seizures and disorderly thinking, fertility problems, and bone problems. Teen anorexia statistics show, nearly 90% of woman with Anorexia suffer from the loss of bone material due to low estrogen levels that occur. In severe cases, death can be the final result. Various studies show the death rate of Anorexia Nervosa to range from 4%-25%.
Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa is still undergoing improvement. However, it generally involves a team of people including a medical doctor, a psychologist, and a nutritionist. Severe cases may require hospitalization at first to improve overall health. Recovery rates vary between 23%-50%. If you or someone you know is showing symptoms of anorexia, it is important to get help quickly. Fast intervention leads to a better chance of recovery.
