Anorexia Nervosa

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Anorexia nervosa is a disorder characterized by an abnormal fear of being fat and a consequent refusal to eat. It is seen mainly in teenage girls and young women. Experts believe that between 1 and 2 percent of the female population in these age groups is affected.

The onset of anorexia often occurs during puberty. Although the trigger that causes a seemingly normal person to become anorexic is far from clear, a phobic fear of becoming fat may be related to a distorted self-image, a wish to remain childlike in form, or a desire to maintain control over some part of life at least. It has been noted that put many demands on them, and that as a result they may feel ineffective and be abnormally anxious to please.

Many physicians see anorexia as a symptom of a mental or emotional problem, such as anger, fear, stress, and/or depression, rather than as a separate disorder. Some scientists believe that the condition may arise as a result of a problem with the condition may arise as a result of a problem with the hypothalamus, the portion of the brain that controls hunger, thirst, and body temperature, among that a serious deficiency of zinc may be involved.

A person with anorexia sees him or herself as fat even though he or she is painfully thin even emaciated to objective eyes. Most anorexics deliberately starve them selves, but some overuse laxatives and/or induce vomiting after eating to keep from gaining weight. Some do all three of these things. The most obvious physical sign of anorexia is an increasingly serious loss of weight. A person with this disorder may lose more than one third of his or her normal body weight. With the weight loss come other problems, including weakness, dizziness, low blood pressure and a faltering or irregular heartbeat. In girls and women, menstruation ceases as the extreme lack of nutrients disrupts normal hormone production. In anorexics who also include vomiting, other symptoms may include a swollen neck, broken blood vessels on the face, and damage to the enamel of the back teeth.

Anorexia nervous is an extremely serious, potentially life-threatening condition. While almost half of those who develop it ultimately outgrow the disorder, more than 30 percent battle the condition all their lives. Relapses are common. Those who refuse treatment or give up the battle very often die prematurely.

General recommendations for anorexia nervous

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