Anorexia nervosa has become an eating disorder that significantly and noticeably affects both mental and physical health, and neglecting it has led to many serious complications. It not only affects body weight but also causes other disorders such as loss of self-confidence, anxiety, and stress.
Therefore, noticing its symptoms and early diagnosis helps in swift intervention to get a suitable treatment plan according to the patient's condition, which aids in healthy weight restoration and prevents the onset of psychological disorders.
What is Anorexia Nervosa?
Anorexia Nervosa, or Anorexia Nervosa disorder, is one of the psychological eating disorders in which the patient refuses to eat due to an intense fear of gaining weight, despite going for many hours without food.
Different Causes of Anorexia Nervosa
The causes vary from psychological to social, and even genetic and behavioral reasons.
Psychological Causes:
Suffering from depression or chronic anxiety.
Lack of self-confidence.
Social Causes:
Bullying about external appearance or weight gain.
Social pressures.
Academic or work pressures.
Genetic Causes:
A family history of eating disorders.
Hormonal disorders.
Behavioral Factors:
Excessive exercise.
Following harsh diets.
Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa
Symptoms vary from person to person and are divided into:
Physical Symptoms:
- Severe and noticeable weight loss.
- Constant feeling of tiredness and fatigue.
- Digestive disorders like constipation or bloating.
- Brittle bones (Osteoporosis).
Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms:
- Psychological illnesses like depression or chronic anxiety.
- Intense fear of gaining weight.
- Obsession with dieting and calorie counting.
Treatment Methods for Anorexia Nervosa
Treatment methods are varied, the most important of which are:
Pharmacological Treatment:
Using antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications to alleviate psychological symptoms.
Nutritional supplements to compensate for missing elements.
Psychological Therapy:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): To help modify thoughts related to food.
Psychotherapy: To get rid of depression and anxiety.
Nutritional Therapy:
To gradually increase weight and maintain a balanced lifestyle.
Social Support:
Encouraging the patient to accept their body and weight.
The Role of Nutritional Therapy in Overcoming Anorexia
Nutritional therapy plays a crucial role in overcoming anorexia nervosa, as it aims to restore normal body weight and improve overall body health, through:
- Following a healthy diet rich in proteins and healthy fats to compensate for nutritional deficiency.
- Treating digestive disorders.
- Monitoring weight to ensure the body's response to the followed nutritional plan.
Effective Medications for Treating Anorexia Nervosa
There are no specific medications yet to treat anorexia nervosa directly, but there are some effective medications to alleviate its symptoms, such as:
- Antidepressants like: Fluoxetine and Citalopram.
- Anti-anxiety medications.
- Appetite stimulants to increase the desire to eat.
- Nutritional supplements to compensate for the loss of minerals and nutrients.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does loss of appetite become dangerous?
It becomes dangerous when it causes psychological or health complications that threaten life, such as disturbances in heart function, a sharp drop in blood pressure, and muscle weakness.
What is the difference between anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa?
Bulimia nervosa involves episodes of binge eating followed by attempts to get rid of the excess weight, while anorexia nervosa is the refusal to eat for psychological or behavioral reasons.
Article Summary
Anorexia nervosa disorder affects the patient's overall health, body image, and psychological state, and may lead to serious health complications. Therefore, dealing with it requires a treatment plan that includes psychological therapy, pharmacological treatment, and nutritional therapy to achieve a healthy physical and psychological balance.