WHAT IS ANOREXIA NERVOSA?

Anorexia nervosa or anorexia  is an eating disorder characterized by an abnormally low body weight, an overriding fear of gaining weight. In order to prevent weight gain or to keep losing weight, people with anorexia usually severely restrict the amount of food they eat. They tend to control calorie intake by vomiting after eating or by misusing laxatives, diet aids, diuretics or enemas. They may also try to over exercise. No matter how much under-weight, the person lives in constant fear of gaining weight. 

Anorexia is just not really about food, it is unhealthy and sometimes life-threatening way to try to cope up with emotional problems often equating thinness with self-worth.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ANOREXIA NERVOSA?

The physical signs and symptoms of anorexia nervosa are related to starvation. People with anorexia often disguise their thinness, eating habits or physical problems.

Physical symptoms of Anorexia 

• extreme weight loss 

• abnormal blood counts

• fatigue

• Insomnia, fainting or dizziness

• discolored  fingers (bluish)

• thinning, breaking or falling of hair 

• soft, downy hair covering the body

• missed periods in women

• abdominal pain

• constipation

• dry or yellowish patchy skin

• cold intolerance

• irregular heart rhythms

• low blood pressure

• dehydration

• swollen arms or legs

Emotional and behavioral symptoms of Anorexia 

• skipping meals often or refusing to eat

• taking only a few certain safe foods, usually ones low in fat and calories

• adopting strange eating rituals such as spitting food out after chewing

• losing interest to eat with family,friends

• lying about how much food has been consumed

• repeated weighing or measuring the body for any weight gain

• complaining about being fat constantly

• flat and cold mood 

• social withdrawal & irritability

• insomnia

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT 

Diagnosis : Diagnosis can be arrived after detailed physical examination and other tests, including but not limited to measuring your height and weight; checking vitals such as heart rate, blood pressure and temperature. Checking the skin and nails for problems; listening to  heart and lungs; and examining the abdomen. Lab investigations such as CBC and Urine analysis may be required. In extreme cases X-rays may be taken to check the bone density, stress fractures ,broken bones or check for pneumonia or heart problems. 

Psychological evaluation through completing psychological self-assessment, questionnaires, etc. 

Treatment for Anorexia is generally done using a team approach which includes doctors, mental health professionals and dieticians with combined experience in eating disorders. Ongoing therapy and nutrition education are highly recommended. Restoring a healthy weight

is the first goal of treatment. 

If life is in immediate danger, patient may need to be admitted to Emergencyfor  issues related to heart rhythm disturbance, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances or a psychiatric consultation. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Other complications of anorexia may include:

• anaemia

• heart problems like mitral valve prolapse, abnormal heart rhythms or heart failure

• osteoporosis

• loss of muscle

• missed periods (females)

• decreased testosterone (males)

• constipation, bloating or nausea

• electrolyte abnormalities (low blood potassium, sodium and chloride)

• irreversible damage to  the brain, heart and kidneys.

• mood disorders like depression and anxiety 

• personality disorders

• obsessive-compulsive disorder (ocd)

• alcohol and substance abuse

• suicidal tendencies