Anorexia Nervosa: Starvation Disorder

Anorexia Nervosa (anorexia) is also often referred to as self-starvation. This particular eating disorder is surrounded by the fear of gaining weight, with the victims feeling "fat" when in fact they are of very normal size or even very underweight. Distorted images of themselves are common. Obsessive behaviors of eating and intense exercise activity can consume these individuals.

Signs and Symptoms

Anorexics are noted for having psychological problems as well, both social and emotional. As a result, they often withdraw from their families and friends and use the disorder as a means to gain power and control over their problems.

Initially anorexics may restrict their diet just to lose a few pounds. As
the pounds fall away, they begin to feel more control over and pride in their accomplishments. Compliments regarding their weight inspire them to seek further success and achievements. This pattern continues until it gets out of hand, and feelings of pride turn into an obsession. Victims of anorexia rarely realize the implications of the disorder, and denial is frequent.

Although each individual varies in his or her particular signs and symptoms, it is common to see anorexics skip meals, pick at their food, eat very little, hide food, and indicate they have eaten a meal when in fact they have not. Others opt for laxatives or diuretics to help the dieting process along. Exercise increases to the point of excess, including activities like jogging, swimming, or aerobic conditioning.

As the disorder continues, physical symptoms become more visible. Low body weight is obvious and often victims wear baggy clothes to hide their frail bodies. A low amount of body fat can result in a condition called amenorrhea, or the ceasing of menstrual periods. Stress, restlessness, and irritability are common. Anorexics often complain of cold body temperatures, likely due to loss of body fat, particularly from the layer of fat under the skin that helps insulate the body Dry skin, rashes, dry hair, and loss of hair are also noted.

In the case of a teenager with anorexia, growth and development patterns may be affected. Blood pressure rates drop, muscle masses can deteriorate, and bone density decreases. Body organs can also be impacted. Unless appropriate treatment is given, ongoing anorexia can wreak havoc on the body and mind and can result in death due to suicide or even starvation.

Common Signs of Anorexia

Common signs of anorexia include the following:

Rapid loss of weight to 85 percent or less of acceptable body weight.

  • Wearing loose-fitting clothes to disguise weight loss.
  • Eating very small amounts at a time.
  • Often refusing to eat.
  • Specific rituals involving food, eating, and exercise.
  • Perfectionism.
  • Lying about having eaten a meal.
  • Rare recognition or acknowledgement of signs of hunger.
  • Intense fear of being fat or gaining weight.
  • Frequent weighing, sometimes multiple times each day.
  • Distorted body image.
  • Preoccupation with food.
  • Frequent preparation and handling of food for other people, but rarely for self.
  • Refusal to admit to abnormal eating patterns.
  • Obsessive exercising.
  • Frequent constipation.
  • Possible amenorrhea, lack of menstrual periods or irregular periods.
  • Depression/withdrawn from others.
  • Sensitivity to cold temperatures.
  • Dry skin, rashes.
  • Dry hair, hair loss.

 

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