Anorexia Nervosa - Research Paper Example

ANOREXIA NERVOSA Human beings are surrounded by so many disorders that affect their lives both physically and psychologically. Some of such disordersare self-inflicted while others are caused by outside conditions other than self-infliction. This essay would like to discuss Anorexia nervosa by looking at its definition, causes, symptoms, effects, diagnosis, treatment and prevention. According to Mayo Clinic (2012), Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that makes people lose more weight than considered healthy for their age and height. Smith (2014) says Anorexia simply means “lack of appetite” in medical terms. Basically, people change their eating style. They restrict themselves from eating (despite feeling hungry); or they over exercise specifically because of the fear of gaining too much weight and having distorted body self-perception. Anorexia nervosa begins in teens and extends into adulthood. Mayo Clinic (2012) and Smith (2014) agree that the basic causes of Anorexia nervosa are multiple; and are grouped into biological, psychological and environmental (socio-cultural). Under the biological causes, it is believed that some people have genetic tendencies towards perfectionism, sensitivity and perseverance (which are also traits associated with anorexia). Psychologically, in trying to achieve perfectionism, some people start worrying about weight and shape; and having anxiety and negative self-image. As a result, they start starving themselves and exercising excessively. On the other hand, the environmental (social or cultural) ideas about health and beauty as splashed in the media and expressed by peers (about successful and worthy), are often equated with being thin. Such a situation encourages people, especially the young girls to engage in such activities, hence trapped into anorexia nervosa. There are many signs and symptoms of Anorexia nervosa. Both Mayo Clinic (2012) and Smith (2014) agree that the following are some examples of such signs and symptoms: continuous or extreme weight loss (to beyond the normal); distorted body image; loss of menstruation for three or more consecutive cycles for women; blotchy or yellow skin that is dry and covered with fine hair; confused or slow thinking and poor memory or judgment; depression; dry mouth; feeling extreme cold even during normal temperature; muscle wasting and loss of body fat. Not eating or excessive cutting of food amounts; playing with food in the plate; deliberate vomiting after eating; exercising all the time even during bad weather or when hurt or busy; frequent urinating and purging (due to use of pills, diuretics, laxatives, etc.) or decreasing appetites (due to diet pills). People with anorexia nervosa may experience dizziness, headaches, drowsiness, fever, insomnia, a bluish discoloration of the fingers, hair that thins and breaks, constipation, irregular heart rhythms, low blood pressure, flat mood, social withdrawal, irritability, reduced interest in sex, swelling of limbs and lack of energy (fatigue). Unfortunately, Mayo Clinic (2012) concedes that Anorexia nervosa brings many complications in people if not attended to. Patients with Anorexia nervosa may start having anemia; bone weakening and loss (increasing risks of fractures later); absence of periods (in females) and decreased testosterone (in males); gastrointestinal problems (e.g. constipation, bloating or nausea); electrolyte abnormalities (e.g. low blood potassium, sodium and chloride, which cause heart problems such as mitral valve prolapsing, abnormal heart rhythms and heart failure) and seizure; kidney failure; malnourishment; alcohol and drug (e.g. tobacco and caffeine) abuse; depression; decrease in white blood cells (hence high risk of infection); dehydration; thyroid glands problems; tooth decay; growth retardation; and death. Notice that Anorexia nervosa may affect all the organs of the body including the brain, heart and kidneys. Some of these effects may not be fully reversible even when it is under control. This is the more reason why anorexia nervosa has to be prevented. In addition, to the signs and symptoms above, people with anorexia nervosa may have extremely high levels of ghrelin (the hunger hormone that signals a physiological need for food) in their blood. Ghrelin indicates that the hunger call is being suppressed, ignored or overridden. In order to establish whether the signs and symptoms above indicate that a person has anorexia nervosa, Mayo Clinic (2012) and Smith (2014) state that doctors may conduct several physical examinations, laboratory tests, psychological evaluation and others. For example, on physical test they may measure height and weight; check vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure and temperature; check skin and nails for dryness and others; listen to the heart and lungs; and examine abdomen. They may also conduct laboratory tests such as complete blood counts (CBC); urinalysis, liver, kidney and thyroid functioning; and protein levels. Doctors or Therapists may also ask questions about thoughts, feelings and eating habits to evaluate the psychological parameter. Otherwise, they may also conduct complex tests such x-rays to check for broken bones, pneumonia or heart problems; electrocardiograms to test heart irregularities; bone density testing to check bone health; and how much energy the body uses to prescribe nutritional requirements. Mayo Clinic (2012) states that it is very difficult to treat anorexia nervosa because it is hard to make people recognize that they have an illness. People usually deny that they have an eating disorder until the condition is serious. This situation becomes too late. Such treatment may be jointly done by doctors, therapists and family members where possible. The goal for treatment is to increase weight as quickly as possible to the normal measure. As such, the following means can help reach the goal: increasing social activities; reducing the amount of physical activity; scheduling eating times; increasing amounts of food to be eaten; using individual, group and family cognitive behavioral therapy to change the person’s mind set. Medicines such antidepressants, antipsychotics and mood stabilizers may also help treat depression or anxiety and not loss of weight. Looking at the discussion above, it is evident that anorexia nervosa is a deadly disorder, which if not carefully attended to may cause harm and death in an individual. However, for it not to occur, the choice remains with an individual. The key choice is to remove the preconceived perceptions or worries about being fat or not having a good shape as the biological, psychological and socio-cultural perspectives demand. Also, interacting with doctors, physiotherapists and other related figures on any strange bodily occurrences, just like Mayo Clinic (2012) states, may help prevent the disorder from becoming critical. Therefore, it demands vigilance and critical decision making in individuals to avoid this disorder. BIBLIOGRAPHY Mayo Clinic. “Diseases and Conditions: Anorexia nervosa.” Mayo Clinic, 2012. Web. 17 April 2014. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anorexia/basics/prevention/con-20033002 Smith, M, et al. “Anorexia nervosa: signs, symptoms, causes and treatment.” Helpguide.org, 2014. Web. 17 April 2014 Read More