Anorexia nervosa
'Anorexia nervosa' means 'loss of appetite for nervous reasons' but this is misleading because in reality a person with anorexia has lost the ability to allow herself/himself to satisfy their appetite.
They probably restrict the amount they eat and drink, sometimes to a dangerous level. They may exercise to burn off what they perceive to be excess calories. They focus on food in an attempt to cope with life, not to starve herself/himself to death. It is a way of demonstrating that they are in control of their body weight and shape. Ultimately, however, the disorder itself takes control and the chemical changes in the body affect the brain and distort thinking, making it almost impossible for her/him to make rational decisions about food. As the illness progresses, they will suffer from the exhaustion of starvation. Occasionally people die from the effects of anorexia, especially if it is untreated.
Not everyone will have the same symptoms. Some people will have a mix of symptoms and a person does not need to have all these symptoms to have an eating disorder.
The effects of anorexia on the body
- in adults, extreme weight loss; in children and teenagers, poor or inadequate weight gain in relation to their growth or substantial weight loss.
- constipation and abdominal pains
- dizzy spells and feeling faint
- bloated stomach, puffy face and ankles
- downy hair on the body; occasionally loss of hair on the head when recovering
- poor blood circulation and feeling cold
- dry, rough, or discoloured skin
- loss of 'periods', loss of interest in sex
- loss of bone mass and eventually osteoporosis (brittle bones)
Psychological signs of anorexia
- intense fear of gaining weight and obsessive interest in what others are eating
- distorted perception of body shape or weight
- denial of the existence of a problem
- changes in personality and mood swings
- becoming aware of an 'inner voice' that challenges the person's views on eating and exercise.
Bevavioural signs of anorexia
- Rigid or obsessional behaviour attached to eating, such as cutting food into tiny pieces
- Mood swings
- Restlessness and hyperactivity
- Wearing big baggy clothes
- Vomiting; taking laxatives
The long-term effects of anorexia
The long-term effects of anorexia on the body and mind can be alarming and severe. Women with anorexia tend to find it more difficult to become pregnant and may develop infertility in the long term. Fortunately, many of these effects can be reduced, once the body receives proper and regular nourishment. For both men and women there is a high likelihood of developing osteoporosis.
Recovery
Once a person is on the path to recovery, it can take some weeks or months for the body and mind to re-adjust. Eating and drinking regularly can cause a person's body to become bloated temporarily. On one hand they may experience enormous hunger whilst on the other, weight gain can seem an alarming prospect. Dealing with the expectations of others around them can also be stressful. Personality and mood swings can also take a while to settle, depending on the emotional difficulties that the person may be facing.
See treatment for more information on recovering from anorexia nervosa.
Other eating disorders
More information
Based on information supplied by Eating Disorders Association.
Website: www.edauk.com. Helpline service: 0845 634 14.
