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Eating Disorders
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Anorexia
Severe weight loss, tiredness, constipation and loss of periods in girls are some of the signs of anorexia nervosa. Treatment aims to restore good health, both emotionally and physically, and the earlier it starts, the better the chances of recovery.
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder affecting mainly girls or women, although boys or men can also suffer from it. It usually starts in the teenage years and is characterised by self-starvation.
Causes
The cause of anorexia nervosa is unknown, although it is likely that both biological and environmental factors play a part.
Signs and symptoms
Women with anorexia nervosa may stop having periods.
Self-induced weight loss. Methods can include fasting, low food intake, excessive exercise, laxatives, diet pills or vomiting.
Sufferers have a constant fear of gaining weight, and are convinced they are fat, even when their weight is much less than that of other people of the same height.
Sufferers may feel bloated, even after a small meal.
They may lose interest in socialising with friends.
Other side effects include tiredness, feeling cold, constipation and stomach ache.
How is anorexia treated?
The sooner the treatment is started, the better the chance of recovery.
Treatment aims to:
restore the person to a healthy weight
restore healthy eating patterns
treat any physical complications or associated mental health problems
address thoughts, feelings and beliefs concerning food and body image
enlist family support.
In some cases, medication may be prescribed, especially if the person is also suffering from depression or serious compulsive symptoms.
If the person's body weight drops more than 20-25% below total normal body weight they may need to be hospitalised.
Long term effects
People who do not receive treatment may become chronically ill or even die.
Long spells without adequate intake of food can cause osteoporosis (fragile bones) and damage to the heart, liver, kidneys and brain.
Anorexia can affect growth in the young and cause difficulties in concentration.
People with anorexia nervosa may also experience mental health problems such as depression and increased risk of suicide.
