What is anorexia nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa is a psychological eating disorder. The patient used to starve herself or himself. The individual restricts diet which was accompanied by excessive exercising or uses diet pills to reduce body weight. Despite being underweight patient has an immense fear of gaining weight.
The cause of anorexia nervosa is unknown but the various others factors that contribute in the development of such behavior are body image, over-conscious about their physical appearance. Self-starvation results in the deficiency of essential nutrients in the body like proteins, vitamins, it causes hypoglycemia, neuroendocrine disturbances, suppression of thyroid function and altered function of various organs.
Who are more affected with anorexia nervosa?
A tendency to develop anorexia nervosa is high in case of teens. It is more common in females than men.
What are the causes of anorexia nervosa?
The exact cause of anorexia nervosa is not known. According to studies, personality traits, hormonal and environmental factors might be responsible.
Following are the risk factors for anorexia nervosa:
-Teenage girls.
-Over consciousness about weight.
-Anxiety disorders.
-The certain profession that demands a lean body.
-Puberty.
-Unintentional weight loss.
How Anorexia Nervosa patient presents herself?
Patient with anorexia nervosa presents herself with:
-Immense fear of weight gain.
-Feeling fat, despite being underweight.
-Excessive weight loss.
-Depression, anxiety, or irritability.
-Scanty or absent menstrual periods.
-Extreme sensitivity to cold.
-Social withdrawal.
-Physical symptoms includes: Cold or swollen hands and feet, thinning of hairs, brittle nails, dry skin, low blood pressure, constipation, swelling in joints.
Why do anorexics die?
Anorexics die because of dehydration and starvation due to which there is an imbalance of electrolytes in the body.
Why do anorexics die of heart failure?
Heart disease is one of the major cause of death in people suffering from Anorexia Nervosa. A weak heart could result in congestive heart failure.
How to check the effect of anorexia nervosa?
Following tests must be done to check anorexia nervosa:
-Psychological evaluation.
-Blood tests — to check anemia, electrolytes in the blood, and also to check liver and kidney function.
-Electrocardiogram — to look for abnormal heart rhythms.
-Bone density test — to check for osteoporosis.
-Kidney function test.
-Liver function test.
-Thyroid test.
What are the complications of anorexia nervosa?
-death
-anemia
-heart problems
-gastro-intestinal troubles
-electrolyte abnormality
-renal problems
-amenorrhoea
What is the treatment for anorexia nervosa?
-Antidepressants, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
-Antipsychotics.
How can we manage anorexia nervosa?
-Psychological intervention.
-Behavior therapy.
-Rehabilitation of nutrition.
Diet: Nutritional care of people with anorexia nervosa must be considered. A well-balanced diet, nutritional supplements, vegetarian is recommended.
What are the bad effects of anorexia nervosa?
-Bones become weak.
-Increased risk of infection
-Abnormal heart rhythms because of decreased potassium level.
-Severe dehydration.
-Severe malnutrition
-Seizures due to electrolyte imbalance because of repeated diarrhea and vomiting.
Homeopathic treatment for anorexia nervosa?
-Arsenicum album
-China officinalis
-Sulphur
-ignatia
