What is Anorexia Nervosa?
Heather Colman
Anorexia nervosa is a psychiatric diagnosis that describes an eating
disorder characterized by low body weight and body image distortion.
Individuals with anorexia often control body weight by voluntary
starvation, purging, vomiting, excessive exercise, or other weight
control measures, such as diet pills or diuretic drugs.
Anorexia nervosa primarily affects young adolescent girls in the
Western world and has one of the highest mortality rates of any
psychiatric condition, with approximately 10% of people diagnosed with
the condition eventually dying due to related factors.
The suicide rate of people with anorexia is also higher than that of
the general population and is thought to be the major cause of death
for those with this condition.
Anorexia nervosa is a complex condition, involving psychological,
neurobiological, physiological and sociological components.
A person who is suffering from anorexia is referred to as anorexic.
Anorexia nervosa is frequently shortened to anorexia in both the media
and scientific literature. This is technically incorrect, as strictly
speaking anorexia refers to the medical symptom of reduced appetite.
It is clear that there is no single cause for anorexia and that it
stems from a mixture of social, psychological and biological factors.
Current research is commonly focused on explaining existing factors and
uncovering new causes. However, there is considerable debate over how
much each of the known causes contributes to the development of
anorexia. In particular, the contribution of perceived media pressure
on women to be thin has been especially contentious.
Anorexia can be difficult to treat. A recent review suggested that less
than one-half recover fully, one-third improve, and 20% remain
chronically ill.
The first line of treatment for anorexia is usually focused on
immediate weight gain, especially with those who have particularly
serious conditions that require hospitalization. In particularly
serious cases, this may be done under as an involuntary hospital
treatment under mental health law, where such legislation exists. In
the majority of cases, however, people with anorexia are treated as
outpatients, with input from physicians, psychiatrists, clinical
psychologists and other mental health professionals.
A recent clinical review has suggested that psychotherapy is an
effective form of treatment and can lead to restoration of weight and
improved psychological and social functioning when compared to simple
support or education programs. However, this review also noted that
there are only a small number of randomized controlled trials on which
to base this recommendation. No specific type of psychotherapy seems to
show any overall advantage when compared to other types.
Family therapy has also been found to be an effective treatment for
adolescents with anorexia and in particular, a method developed at the
Maudsley Hospital is widely used and found to maintain improvement over
time.
It is important to note that many recovering underweight people (who
are more or less forced against their will into recovery by angry
parents or other relatives) often harbour a hateful dislike for those
who they feel are robbing them of their treasured emaciation. Often
when well-meaning friends or relatives compliment the recoveree on how
much healthier they look, the recoverees mind replaces healthy with
fat.
Drug treatments, such as SSRI or other antidepressant medication, have
not found to be generally effective for either treating anorexia or
preventing relapse although there is a lack of adequate research in
this area. It is common, however, for antidepressants to be prescribed,
often with the intent of trying to treat the associated anxiety and
depression.
Disclaimer - The information presented here should not be interpreted
as medical advice. If you need more information about anorexia, please
consult a qualified physician for the best treatment options available.
This article is Copyright © 2006, Heather Colman. Find more anorexia
resources at:
http://www.anorexia-centre.info
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