Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia is an psychological eating disorder in which patient have abnormally low body weight, disturbed weight perception and fear of gaining weight. Patients of anorexia are usually involve in serious practice to not gain weight which deliberately interfere there life.

Symptoms

Clinical picture of this condition include some physical as well as emotional features include:

Preoccupation with food, not eating personally but giving it to others
Making excuses for not eating
Skipping meals
Don’t have urge to eat In public
Repeatedly measuring of body weight and always being conscious about weight
Thin starved appearance
Hypotension
Abnormal blood picture
Fainting
Dizziness
Insomnia
Soft hairs on the body
Abnormal menstruation
Fingers become bluish
Constipation
Abdominal pain
Swollen feet and hands

Causes

The actual exact cause is unknown but It may be due to following reasons;

Genetic causes
Psychological problems like having obsessive compulsive disorder of looking good every time.
Some environmental causes like some tribe cultures which force women to starve in order to look thin.

Complications

Some major concerning complications are;

Anemia
Heart problems
Loss of muscle tone
Menstruation become abnormal in females
Increase risk of fractures due to development of osteoporosis
Digestive problems.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of anorexia nervosa first include detailed history to rule out about the possible cause. Other tests and investigation include;

Complete general physical examination of patient
Some laboratory tests including blood test, thyroid or kidney function test and urine tests.
Psychological checkup
X-ray and electrocardiogram to check out the complications.

Treatment

Patient require immediate hospitalization and medical monitoring by doctor
Therapies to restore weight again by the help of family, friends and psychiatrist.
Psychotherapy including family-based therapy and individual therapy may be considered.
Antidepressants medication are sometimes prescribed in order to Cope up with the depression associated with this condition.

Home remedies

Try to be regular with your therapy sessions.
Take vitamin and mineral supplements to avoid complications.
Try to control the urge of weighing yourself.
Don’t become isolated as it will worsen the depression.

Anorexia Nervosa