What is Anorexia Nervosa? CBT Kenya

Anorexia isn’t really about food. It’s an extremely unhealthy and sometimes life-threatening way to try to cope with emotional problems. When you have anorexia, you often equate thinness with self-worth.

To prevent weight gain or to continue losing weight, people with anorexia usually severely restrict the amount of food they eat. They may control calorie intake by vomiting after eating or by misusing laxatives, diet aids, diuretics or enemas. They may also try to lose weight by exercising excessively. No matter how much weight is lost, the person continues to fear weight gain.

Although the disorder most frequently begins during adolescence, an increasing number of children and older adults are also being diagnosed with anorexia. You cannot tell if a person is struggling with anorexia by looking at them. A person does not need to be emaciated or underweight to be struggling. Studies have found that larger-bodied individuals can also have anorexia, although they may be less likely to be diagnosed due to cultural prejudice against fat and obesity.

What causes anorexia nervosa?

Anorexia is also more common among teenagers. Still, people of any age can develop this eating disorder, though it’s rare in those over 40. Teens may be more at risk because of all the changes their bodies go through during puberty. They may also face increased peer pressure and be more sensitive to criticism or even casual comments about weight or body shape.

• People who develop anorexia may have a negative body image. They may be focused on being “perfect.” They may be looking for ways to control their lives.

• Pressure from society to look thin may also contribute to the development of anorexia nervosa. Unrealistic body images from media outlets like magazines and television can greatly influence young people and spark the desire to be thin.

• Someone with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) might be more predisposed to maintaining the strict diet and exercise regimen that those with anorexia nervosa often maintain. That’s because people with OCD are prone to obsessions and compulsions.

• Whether it’s a new school, home or job; a relationship breakup; or the death or illness of a loved one, change can bring emotional stress and increase the risk of anorexia.

What is the long-term outlook?

• As a muscle, the heart is affected by both poor nutrition and exercise. In addition, the control mechanisms for the speed and regularity of the heartbeat are located in the central part of the brain. With prolonged low weight over several years, the heart muscle can eventually give out, causing death.
• Dehydration associated with anorexia results in highly concentrated urine. Increased urine production may also develop in patients when the kidneys ability to concentrate urine decreases.
• Absence of the menstrual cycle is one of the hallmark symptoms of anorexia nervosa, and may precede significant weight loss.
• Persons with anorexia nervosa are at an increased risk for broken bones due to osteoporosis.
• Starvation affects the brain’s structure – including decreased brain tissue and brain activity and function. Functions impaired include decision making, ability to concentrate/focus, memory issues, emotional control, appetite regulation, mood and reward pathways.

Review

Anorexia, like other eating disorders, gets worse the longer it is left untreated. The sooner the disorder is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome. Anorexia can be treated, allowing the person to return to a healthy weight; although, many people with anorexia deny they have a problem and refuse treatment.

Although treatment is possible, the risk of relapse is high. Recovery from anorexia usually requires long-term treatment as well as a strong commitment by the individual. Support of family members and other loved ones can help ensure that the person receives the needed treatment.

When Should I Seek Help for Anorexia?

If you suspect that you or someone you know has anorexia or another eating disorder, seek help immediately. Eating disorders can become increasingly dangerous the longer they go untreated. In severe cases, the effects on the body caused by eating disorders can be fatal.