Anorexia
Anorexia nervosa is a condition where the sufferer has an extreme fear
of gaining weight or becoming what they perceive to be fat, this is
usually coupled with the anorectic having a distorted picture of her
own body.
This fear of weight gain, and distorted body image is caused by and
covers other underlying problems:
Continued weight loss is considered by anorectics to be a sign of achievement
and self-discipline, while any weight gain, even if it brings them closer
to a healthy body weight, is considered a sign of weakness or a lack
of self-control.
One thing that all anorectics have in common is low self-esteem, even
if this is not always obvious. This low self-esteem can quickly lead
to a negative self-image.
Eating disorders often start out as just a diet, a way to try to regain
some self-esteem and control. The sufferer may feel as though their
life is, or has been, out of control and that this control can somehow
be rediscovered by regulating their food and weight. Sufferers of all
types of eating disorder tend to feel like their life is uncontrolled
and chaotic, but the method of attempting to regain control varies according
to the illness the person is suffering from. Anorectics try to regain
control by denying themselves food, whereas bulimics purge their body
of food in order to re-establish some control, even if only for a temporary
period of time.
Anorexic Personality: Someone who may develop anorexia nervosa is typically
an introverted, conscientious and well-behaved child who seldom present
problems either at home or at school. The 2 personality traits consistently
found amongst those with anorexia are perfectionism and obsessive behaviour.
It is when these last two are combined with a general dissatisfaction
with life, or life presents an individual with events which they feel
unable to cope with, that anorexia nervosa becomes a viable alternative.
It may be seen as a coping mechanism.
All eating disorders have a diagnostic criteria that a person must usually
meet before a doctor will make a diagnosis. The diagnostic criteria
for anorexia nervosa are:
Intense fear of gaining weight, which does not diminish as weight
loss progresses
Disturbance of body image, for example claiming to be fat even when
emaciated
Significant amount of weight loss (at least 15% of normal body weight)
No known physical illness that would account for the weight loss
In females, amenorrhea for at least 3 consecutive months
Symptoms and signs:
Weight loss
Refusal to eat, or excuses for missing meals
Avoiding any social gatherings involving meals
Wanting to lose weight when normal weight or under weight
Wearing baggy clothes to disguise weight loss
Odd oral habits, e.g. chewing gum throughout the day, drinking an
excessive amount of coffee or diet soda, and chain-smoking
Intense fear of eating
Obsession about food or calories, and sometimes a huge interest
in shopping and preparing food for others
Excessive exercise
Sleeping problems
Period problems, or absence
Growth of fine downy hair (lanugo) all over body
Constipation and abdominal pains
Always feeling cold
Poor circulation
Very bright eyes
Depression
Reduced libido
Fainting and dizzy spells
Behaviour may also change, including:
Moodiness, depression, hyperactive behaviour, short concentration
span, stubbornness
If someone meets the psychological diagnostic criteria for anorexia,
but only some or none of the physical ones, they may be diagnosed as
having 'Eating disorder not otherwise specified'.
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