What is Anorexia Nervosa?
Anorexia Nervosa (commonly known as anorexia) is characterised by an immense fear of gaining weight, coupled with a relentless pursuit of excessive thinness. An individual suffering from anorexia has an extremely distorted body image and believes they are fat, when they are clearly starved or malnourished. An anorexic often displays obsessive behaviour around food, ensuring all portions are carefully weighed whilst still only eating minute amounts. First4Rehab offer anorexia treatment in order to help you overcome your illess. For more information regarding our anorexia treatment please contact us today. |
 |
What Causes Anorexia Nervosa?
There is no exact known cause as to what triggers anorexia, but some of the following possibilities could be contributing factors:
- Success, predominantly in western cultures is synonymous with being thin, and increased media pressure reinforces this aspiration with the overexposure of waif like models and actresses. Peer group pressure, particularly amongst adolescents can also drive an individual’s desire to achieve an emaciated body image.
- Genetic factors can play a role in the development of anorexia. Young women, who have a mother or sibling with an eating disorder, are likely to be at a greater risk of developing the illness, thus suggesting a possible genetic link.
- Most anorexics have extreme feelings of low self-worth and self-esteem. They are often perfectionists in everything they do, and display an obsessive-compulsive personality. Individuals suffering with anorexia often have disturbed family relationships, and many have experienced some previous form of emotional or sexual abuse.
Common Signs of Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexics have an extremely distorted body image, believing themselves to be fat, when they are in fact emaciated.
Most individuals suffering with anorexia display emotional, physical and behavioural signs and symptoms. These can include:
- Eating extremely small quantities of food, if any.
- Wearing baggy clothes.
- Obsessive behaviour around exercising.
- A tendency to become isolated and a refusal to see friends.
- Vomiting and diarrhoea.
- Weighing food and counting calories.
What are the Short-term Effects of Anorexia Nervosa?
Short-term effects of anorexia can include some or all of the following:
- Irregular or absent periods.
- Constipation and bloating.
- Brittle hair and nails.
- Anaemia.
- Irritability and mood swings due to changes in brain chemistry.
- Tiredness.
|
 |
What are the Long-term Effects of Anorexia Nervosa?
Long-term effects of anorexia can include some or all of the following:
- Thinning hair.
- Osteoporosis.
- Depression and other mental illnesses.
- Low blood pressure.
- Fine hair growth over body.
- Heart failure.
Available Anorexia Treatment
Individuals suffering with anorexia usually have co-existing psychological disorders such as depression, low self-esteem or self-worth and anxiety. Many also suffer with drug and/or alcohol abuse.
Recommended anorexia treatment is usually in the form of group or individual psychotherapy, one-to-one counselling sessions and nutritional counselling. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy has proven to be extremely effective in the treatment of eating disorders. |
 |
For further information regarding anorexia treatment, please feel free to contact one of our First4Rehab advisors, either by phone or email. Or if you prefer, drop us a text on the mobile number listed below.
|
