ANOREXIA NERVOSA (JAY) PDF

ANOREXIA NERVOSA

THE EATING DISORDER

BY : NAJIHA DAVID

WHAT IS ANOREXIA NERVOSA?

Anorexia nervosa or simply called anorexia is an eating
disorder characterized by an abnormally low body
weight, an intense fear of gaining weight and a
distorted perception of weight.

Anorexia isn’t really about food. It’s an extremely
unhealthy and life-threatening way to try to cope with

emotional problems.

To prevent weight gain or to continue losing weight,
people with anorexia usually severely restrict the
amount of food they eat.They may also try to lose

weight by exercising excessively. No matter how much
weight is loss, the person continues to fear weight
gain.

WHO GETS ANOREXIA NERVOSA?

o People with anorexia tend to be very high achievers
o Performing very well in school, sports, work and other activities
o They tend to be perfectionist with absessive, anxious, or depressive symptoms
o Anorexia nervosa usually begins around the time of puberty, but it can develop at any

time.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ANOREXIA
N E RV O S A ?

• Dramatics weight loss
• Drop in blood pressure, pulse and breathing rates

Thinning bones (osteoporosis)
• Denies feeling hungry

• Complains of constipation, abdominal pain, cold intolerance, lethargy
and excess energy

• Makes frequent comments about feeling ‘fat’ or overweight despite
weight loss

• Is preoccupied with weight, food, calories, fat grams and dieting
• Feeling hopeless or worthless

PHYSICAL SIGNS AND EFFECFTS OF
ANOREXIA NERVOSA

HOW IS ANOREXIA DIAGNOSED?

 Identifying anorexia can be very challenging. Secrecy, shame, and denial are
characteristics of the disorder.As a result, the illness can go undetected for
long periods of time.

 If symptoms are present, the doctors will begin an evaluation by
performing a complete medical history and physical exam.

 The dpctors might use various diagnotic tests, such as blood test.

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR ANOREXIA?

• Psyhoterapy :This is a type of individual counselling that focuses on changing the thinking ( cognitive
therapy) and behaviour (behavioural therapy) of a person with an eating disorder.Treatment includes
practical techniques for developing healthy attitudes toward food and weight.

• Medication : Certain antidepressant medications such as selective serotonin ewuptake inhibitiors(SSRIs)
might be used to help control anxiety and depression associated with an eating disorder. Some
antidepressants may also help with sleep and stimulate appetite.

• Nutrition counselling :This strategy is designed to teach a healthy approach to food and weight, to help
restore normal eating patterns, and to teach the importance of nutrition and following a balanced diet.

• Group or family therapy : Family support is very important to treatment success. It is important that
family members understand the eating disorder and recognize its sign and symptoms.

SHORT STORY OF ANOREXIA NERVOSA