Adolescence is a time when pre-teen and teenage girls are very self-conscious and concerned about social acceptance. Sometimes this concern develops into a phobia that brings about detrimental health issues. One such issue is anorexia nervosa.
Causes of Anorexia Nervosa
No specific cause for anorexia nervosa, often called “anorexia,” is known but it is believed to be the result of a combination of factors. The condition often begins at a time of tremendous hormonal and psychological change. Adolescent girls suffering from this condition are convinced that they are too fat, regardless of how much they weigh. This initiates a period of obsessive dieting.
Anorexia is played out in several ways in an afflicted girls’ life. Some girls become very selective in their eating habits. They may decline eating wholesome foods and nibble at foods of low nutritional value. Some girls become very preoccupied with elaborate food preparations but then refuse to eat the finished meals. Many girls engage in self-induced vomiting after eating to ensure that they do not put on any weight. Some indulge in excessive laxative taking for the same reason. Many anorexics exercise for several hours a day to shed extra pounds (of which there are none). According to the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health, 0.5%-3.7% of women will suffer from anorexia nervosa at some point in their lives.
Symptoms of Anorexia
Some experts feel that demands from society and families could possibly be underlying causes for anorexia. For many individuals with anorexia, the destructive cycle begins with the pressure to be thin and attractive. A poor self-image compounds the problem. Anorexia usually begins with the patient dieting to lose weight. Eventually the desire to lose weight becomes an obsession. Psychiatric problems may include anxiety, mood and personality disorders. Physical indications of anorexia include nervousness, fatigue or hyperactivity, dry skin, hair loss and intolerance to cold. Denial and secrecy frequently accompany other symptoms. As the disease worsens, menstruation ceases and nutritional deficiencies develop. If the disease remains unchecked, serious consequences may result. Anorexia brings about a progressive deterioration in most body organs. It could result in cardiac arrhythmias, loss of bone mass, kidney failure and even death.
Treatment for Anorexia
Girls suffering from anorexia require intensive long-term treatment. This may take place in an outpatient setting. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary as intravenous nutritional therapy may be required. A therapy team usually consists of a psychiatrist, a dietitian and a doctor experienced in problems relating to eating disorders. The team’s greatest challenge is to get the patient to overcome her distorted self-image of being fat. They must then help her to overcome her fear of consuming food. Most anorexics are defensive about their eating habits and treating them can be a challenge.
Early steps of treatment begin with offering the patient small portions of nutritious and easily digestible foods. Eggs, custards, soups and smoothies are good for starters. Portion size and the variety of foods are gradually increased to achieve a steady weight gain. A gain of between 1-3 pounds per week is a safe and attainable goal when malnutrition must be corrected. Doctors strive for a varied diet that provide adequate protein for rebuilding lost lean tissue, carbohydrate for energy, and a moderate amount of fat for extra calories. A good multivitamin may be given at this time. A calorie-enriched liquid supplement may also be subscribed by the treatment team. Diet soft drinks, low-calorie diet foods and coffee are withheld. Once the patient has sufficient weight gain and begins eating normally, close monitoring may be necessary as relapses often occur. Group therapy is recommended to build self-esteem.
Sources: Medicine Net
Loraine R. Degraff - Loraine Degraff is a writer and educator of over 10 years. Although much of her writing focuses on natural health, she enjoys learning and ...
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