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Anorexia nervosa, commonly known as anorexia, is an eating disorder marked by a distorted perception of one's physique and restriction of energy intake. It's a psychiatric condition that can also result in mortality.
It afflicts two subtypes: binge-purge and restricted individuals. People who fall into the binge-purge type overeat excessively, which causes them to feel guilty and embarrassed. They then purge to distract themselves from their eating behavior.
Skipping meals is a sign of the restrictive subtype, which places severe restrictions on the types and quantities of food consumed, meticulous calorie counting and preoccupation with food-related activities.
Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa
The signs and symptoms of anorexia can be physical, behavioral, and psychological. From a psychological perspective, physical signs and symptoms include exhaustion, dizziness, and rapid weight loss. Depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and a skewed body image are all scientifically linked to anorexia.
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As anorexia becomes more common over time, behavioral indicators of the illness include severe food restrictions through intense dieting, exercise, and food secrecy.
With social media at the fingertips of many youngsters, studies suggest a connection between dieting habits and anorexia, a crisis that's exacerbated by pressure to comply. That raises questions about the issue of the rising cleansing culture. A 2016 study demonstrates a higher risk of body image issues associated with social media use in people aged between 19 to 30.
It's a frequent misunderstanding that people with anorexia nervosa are underweight, but that isn't always the case. A person with anorexia nervosa frequently presents as healthy while undernourished. Because of that, it's crucial to comprehend all the symptoms and warning indicators of anorexia.
Causes of Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia has multiple causes. For most who are affected, a variety of contributing factors, primarily biological, genetic, and environmental ones, can affect the onset of anorexia and its accompanying symptoms. For each individual, the exact cause of the disease is unique.
Nevertheless, here are some causes:
1) Biological Roots
Many medical professionals believe that anorexia is a biological illness caused by hunger, where starvation causes malnutrition, which then causes the psychological symptoms of the disorder.
Deeper biological roots may be indicated by additional investigations. There have been reports of gray matter impairments in the brain regions responsible for emotion, motivation, and goal-directed behavior.
2) Environmental Factors
Much of the focus has been focused on society's promotion of the ideal body or a culture of thinness. That's frequently accentuated through media and social networks.
Additionally, even accidental comments about bodyweight, appearance, pressure from family life, connections with parents and/or classmates, or influences from the media can have a significant effect on people predisposed to developing an eating disorder. Many anorexics claim to have experienced excessive and harsh criticism of their weight and appearance.
3) Psychiatric Roots
Anorexia and particular personality qualities, such as perfectionism, obsessive-compulsiveness, rigidity, and susceptibility to peer pressure, may be strongly correlated.
4) Genetics and Family History
Recent studies have suggested a plausible hereditary component to anorexia. A study by the National Institute of Mental Health found that the heredity of anorexia can range from 28%-74%, even if not everyone whose parent or sibling has or had the disorder would experience it.
Prevention of Anorexia Nervosa
Dangerous social media posts that support weight reduction products and supplements put teen diet culture at risk.
That can be demonstrated by consumers of thin tea or detox teas pushed by celebrities, which can promote laxative abuse in teenagers. Although that's a step in the right direction, more needs to be done to protect teenagers from the dangers of social media, as diet culture develops in these online spaces.
It's important to connect with the resources at your disposal. Facebook and Instagram have also taken the initiative to block content related to weight loss supplements and cosmetic procedures for users under the age of 18.
Treatment for those with severe anorexia nervosa first focuses on weight recovery and medical and/or psychiatric stabilization. That may include round-the-clock nursing observation, direct psychiatric care, and medication administration. Psychosocial assistance and nourishing meals help patients transition to lesser levels of care.
It's recommended to speak with a psychiatrist or nutritionist if you exhibit any anorexia nervosa signs, like weight loss, heightened fixation with body image, extreme food restrictions, psychological stress, or heightened fear of gaining weight. The risks related to anorexia nervosa are decreased by early detection and timely treatment.
Janvi Kapur is a counselor with a Master's degree in applied psychology with a specialization in clinical psychology.
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