subject: Anorexia Nervosa (Eating Disorders) - Self Help Documentation [print this page]
Defining Anorexia Nervosa
What Anorexia Nervosaactuallyis...
Anorexia nervosa is psychological (ormental) disorder in which a person refuses to eat. It occurs primarily among adolescent girls and young women, but one in ten are males. The word anorexia means "without appetite," but anorexics are actually often extremely hungry. In fact, anorexics tend to be obsessed with food and think about it much of the time. They avoid eating for psychological reasons, and may feel great pride in their self-control.
Causes of Anorexia Nervosa
There is no one single cause for anorexia nervosa but it may be largely attributed to a mental disorder. Many anorexics report feeling out of control in other areas of their lives, and by conquering food they experience a sense of mastery and autonomy. In some cases it may seem that anorexics try dieting in order to avoid growing into adults, gaining weight and maintain a desired body shape. Other experts suggest that anorexics want to gain attention and a sense of being special; having the 'perfect' body is a means of obtaining positive attention from others.
Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa
Treatment may include hospitalization, medication, and psychotherapyCognitive-behavioral and interpersonal therapy seem to be most effective. Anorexics should be hospitalized if they suffer malnutrition, as the eating disorder can be life-threatening. 10% of those with anorexia admitted to university hospitals eventually die of starvation, suicide, or medical complications. Many anorexics can be successfully treated if they receive treatment early. However, others struggle with the disease throughout their lives.
Related tags:anorexia, bulimia, dieting, eating disorders, underweight, weight-gain,nutrition, body shape
Anorexia Nervosa (Eating Disorders) - Self Help Documentation
