What are the health consequences of anorexia nervosa?

There are many health consequences that result from having anorexia nervosa. The initial effects of starvation include a weak or irregular pulse, change in blood pressure, dizziness, shortness of breath, dehydration, reduced body temperature, poor concentration, changes in sleep, loss of menses, and fatigue. Overt time, muscle weakness, depressed mood, extreme coldness of extremities, changes in brain structure, and loss of bone mass result. The effects of bone loss can be permanent, resulting in high risk of fractures even at a young age. When anorexia nervosa develops before the growth spurt, short stature, meaning a failure to grow to normal size, is not uncommon. Extreme and prolonged malnutrition can result in blood chemistry changes, kidney failure, and heart abnormalities that can be fatal.

How do I know if I have anorexia nervosa?

If you have an intense fear of gaining weight, diet to the point of being unable to keep your weight at a minimally acceptable weight for your age and height (generally considered to be less than 85% of the expected weight for your age and height), and see yourself as significantly heavier than you really are, it is very likely that you have this illness. To be sure, you should consult a health professional who has knowledge of anorexia nervosa.

Can you be both anorexia and bulimic?

Some people with anorexia nervosa have eating binges in which they consume large amounts of food before they eventually stop eating. They often rid themselves of the food eaten by vomiting. So, yes, these two conditions can occur together. In addition, some people who have had anorexia nervosa eventually develop bulimia as well.

Do eating disorders have stages?

In general they do. Anorexia nervosa does not come on all at once. It begins with a desire to lose weight, much like any other diet. However, it develops fairly quickly into a more extreme preoccupation with weight, leading to fear of even normal body weight, then elimination of most fat and carbohydrat e from the diet. At this point, the diet is one of near starvation, and thoughts about food and weight occupy most of the person's waking hours, interfering with concentration generally. The dieting and preoccupation are now compulsive and a source of great distress.

Are there common personality traits associated with anorexia nervosa?

There definitely are personality traits common to people with anorexia nervosa, and these play a role in a person's susceptibility to developing the illness. These include extreme perfectionism, lack of comfort in _expression of emotion, being extremely compulsive, looking to others for approval and guidance, liking things that are comfortable and familiar, lack of assertiveness, and insecurity.

How can a person in recovery handle situations that trigger the disease?

In general, if a person has recovered completely from anorexia nervosa, it is not very common for the disease to return. On the other hand, it is not unusual for many people who are returning to normal weight to have continuing psychological features of the illness, such as ongoing extreme anxiety about weight, or fear that they are too heavy. It is very important that the person remain in treatment, maintain a meal plan that keeps weight stable (which means avoiding dieting), have contact with people that will support their recovery, avoid any specific situations that are strong triggers which can reasonably be avoided, and continue to work to strengthen their self esteem.

What are the causes of the disease?

There is no one cause of the illness. Genetic factors appear to play some role, along with personality traits mentioned above. Once dieting and weight loss set in, these factors seem to cause more compulsive behavior. Life experiences that effect self esteem and self worth can also contribute to risk for the illness.

Is there such a thing as ‘anorexic thinking'?

An aspect of the illness is the tendency to exaggerate the significance of certain events, especially those relating to eating and weight. People with the illness tend to view themselves relative to their weight, thinking that they are more capable, disciplined, and special if they are thin, can successfully reduce their appetite, or lose weight. Likewise, weight gain, or eating when hungry are thought of as personal failures or weaknesses. A tendency to thinking in absolute black or white terms, rather than be able to look at things in a balanced way, is a very common aspect of the thinking of people with anorexia nervosa.

Is there a protocol for confronting a friend or relative with the illness?

It is best to approach the person with calm, kindness, and genuine concern. State very clearly why you have become concerned, and give very specific examples. Avoid criticism, or statements about how your friend is harming other people by this behavior. Describe what you have observed over time and the changes you have noticed. Then suggest that they seek help from a qualified doctor, and that even though it must be very hard to accept the need for treatment, even frightening, it is the very best thing to do because it is to hard to have this illness without support and guidance.

How do you handle relapse?

It is crucial that if the person is not in treatment, they seek help immediately. If they are in treatment, it may be necessary to increase the intensity of the treatment to prevent further worsening of the symptoms. Symptoms of the illness can escalate very quickly so it is best not to wait to respond to any signs of relapse.

Is anorexia nervosa really a disease?

Yes, anorexia nervosa is a well recognized psychiatric illness, which means that it is a serious disturbance of thinking and behavior.

How do I tell my friend about the disease?

Chances are, if you have anorexia nervosa, your friends are well aware of it. Most people know what the illness and assume that a person who is unnaturally thin suffers from it. If you are going to talk to someone about it, it is best that you do so only if you can be assured that your confidence is going to be respected, and that you will not be judged by the illness. There is much about the illness that is misunderstood, and people are sometimes blamed unfairly.

Where can I go for support if I don't feel safe telling my parents?

This is a hard one. If you are a teenager, your options are very limited. Telling your family is a must, and then going with them to a very knowledgeable therapist who can help you and your family with this problem is essential to the support that you need and deserve.

How do you separate your self esteem from your body size? Can it be done?

Self esteem is related to so many different aspects of your self and your life experiences. Self esteem can be strengthened through therapy, and as a result of experiences through life that teach you about the many different and unique parts of your self. How you view yourself can certainly be separated from your feeling s about your appearance. People do recover from anorexia nervosa. It is a struggle, but one that can be accomplished successfully.