Anorexia Nervosa Essay -- Health, Eating Disorders

Anorexia Nervosa Anorexia Nervosa is a disorder in which an individual starves them self, characterized by the refusal to consume adequate food or loss of appetite, and therefore endangers their health that originates from emotional or psychological causes. â€Å" (Paraphrased from Eating Disorders. Page 3) Anorexia nervosa (â€Å"nervous anorexia†) is an eating disorder that is characterized by a loss of appetite that endangers an individual’s health that originates from emotional or psychological causes. Under certain circumstances, anorexia nervosa may develop because of a physical disease or conditions, such as shock, nausea and allergic reactions (Shannon, 2007). The signs and symptoms of anorexia include but are not limited to dramatic weight loss, refusal to maintain minimum body weight that is normal for their age and height, consuming a specific selection of foods like those low in fat and calories. Also avoiding food in social situations like cooking, social events, and making up excuses for their refusal to eat. In addition, another sign is frequently focusing on preoccupations with their body image and weight and constantly in pursuit for flaws. Their distorted body image that they have of themselves is apparent in statements about being overweight even though they are thin. Focusing on an excessive exercise regimen and wearing baggy clothes are also signs. In females, a symptom of anorexia is missing three consecutive menstrual periods and in males a decrease in sexual desire. The types of anorexia depend on whether it is combined with bulimia, and they are classified as classic anorexia and binge eating and purging anorexia. Classic anorexia or restricting anorexia, is when an individual consumes small amounts of food an... ...e evaluated by a medical doctor, which consist of vital signs, hydration level, and electrolytes (Shannon, 2007). A balanced diet according to one’s specific needs, in order to gain weight, is constructed by a dietitian. In combination with therapy, medication can be prescribed by a medical doctor or psychiatrist to help cope with the symptoms of anorexia, for example, antidepressants can be prescribed to alleviate depression and anxiety. In addition, other medications prescribed focus to increase one’s weight and to decrease obsessive-compulsive behaviors (Shannon, 2007). Recommendations of residential and inpatient treatment by a medical doctor are given if the physical and psychological problems are severe and may take place in a hospital setting or eating disorder treatment center and of course include outpatient treatment for anorexia (Shannon, 2007).