Anorexia Symptoms

Anorexia disorders have become increasingly prevalent, and they deeply affect both sufferers and their loved ones. While related to low weight, Anorexia disorders are about more than just dieting. Indeed, Anorexia disorders permeate all aspects of a sufferer’s life, including their physical, emotional, social and mental worlds. Moreover, Anorexia disorders are to be taken very seriously as Anorexia has one of the highest mortality rates of any psychiatric disorder.

 

Statistically, females in their teen years are most likely to develop Anorexia disorders, however there is a rising incidence of Anorexia disorders among men and among people of all ages — younger children, or adults in their midlife or beyond. While the precise cause of Anorexia disorders is not known and differs from case to case, Anorexia disorders result from an interaction of biological, emotional, social, cultural, and interpersonal factors.

 

Although people suffering from Anorexia disorders exhibit extreme weight loss (usually more than 15% of their body fat), they continue to have an intense fear of becoming fat and still view themselves as fat, despite all evidence to the contrary. They typically obsess over food, calories, dieting and weight, engage in excessive exercise, may binge/purge food, may abuse laxatives and diuretics, lose menses, have rituals regarding food consumption, food avoidance and preparation, are moody and depressed and sometimes suicidal.  They also usually suffer from low self-esteem.

 

If Anorexia disorders persist untreated, increasing medical risks may arise. These include mineral loss (especially potassium), heart problems, low body temperature, tooth and gum decay, hair loss, osteoporosis, and more. Ultimately, Anorexia disorders can lead to death.

 

The good news, however, is that Anorexia disorders can be overcome! With proper treatment and especially with early intervention, people suffering from Anorexia can heal and go on to lead full lives. If you know someone whom you suspect has an eating disorder, encourage him/her to seek professional help and offer to go to the first appointment. Be prepared for initial denial, resistance, and even anger from someone with an eating disorder. However, if you persist and show that you care, you could be saving a life.

 

There are myriads of doctors, social workers, therapists, counselors, drop-in centers, information centers, treatment facilities, crisis hotlines and more that specialize in helping people with Anorexia disorders whom you can approach confidentially. They are happy to consult in order to determine if someone suffers from Anorexia and to discuss treatment options. It is also easy to obtain information about Anorexia disorders in pamphlet form or online, and there are numerous eating disorder support groups to be found as well.