anorexia nervosa
Symptoms of anorexia nervosa or anorexia:
Can anorexia nervosa be prevented?
Treatment of anorexia nervosa:
Hello, today is the continuation of the series of articles related to the subject of psychology; We want to talk to you about one of the most common disorders that are often seen among women in the community, namely anorexia nervosa. It is interesting to know that in this type of mental disorder, the patient has a kind of obesity and constantly “weight Checks himself. However, the person with this disease is not overweight at all and may not be “underweight and malnourished at all. Unfortunately, those who suffer from this mental disorder, if not treated in time, in terms of Their bodies are physically debilitated and they will suffer from dangerous physical complications such as weak heart muscles, weakening of the muscles of the body, and finally losing the ability to do simple personal things such as going to the bathroom. In this article, we will talk to you about the causes of this disease, its signs and symptoms, and its treatment methods.
What is anorexia nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa is a neurological and nutritional disorder in which the patient loses much more weight than is appropriate for his or her height and weight. Most of these patients weigh less than 85% of their body weight. A healthy man is reduced. These people, even if they have a very low BMI (or body mass index), deliberately reduce their diet just because they are obsessed with obesity and fear becoming obese. They gain weight by engaging in other activities, such as exercising, using laxatives, and stimulating the body to vomit, although these symptoms can indicate another type of mental disorder called bulimia nervosa (or bulimia). It may be better to say this: There are actually two types of anorexia nervosa: one is to cut down on food and skip meals, and the other is to eat but then give up calories.
Symptoms of anorexia nervosa or anorexia:
The disease has physical symptoms that are mostly related to physical weakness due to not eating. This disorder also has emotional and behavioral symptoms and problems that occur due to incorrect perception of their weight and fear of becoming obese. Understanding the signs and symptoms of this disease can be somewhat difficult, because in some cases, the patient may not be very thin because the meaning and interpretation of high or low weight are different in each person. Meanwhile, this group of patients with anorexia nervosa tries to hide their thinness and weakness with physical problems and eating habits so that others do not notice that they have mental disorders. However, people with these abnormalities have some common physical symptoms, which I will mention below:
Very severe weight loss or no weight gain
- Slim and bony appearance
Abnormal blood platelet count
Feeling weak and extremely tired
Insomnia, which is directly related to weight loss or weight gain.
Occasional dizziness and fainting
- Bruising and blue fingers
- Fragile, short hair, and of course hair loss and baldness
- Covering the surface of the body with soft, fluffy hair
- Menstrual irregularities and delayed rhythm
Constipation and pain in the abdomen
Jaundice as well as dry skin
- Cold intolerance and intolerance in cold environments
Low blood pressure and cold body
Irregular heartbeat and arrhythmia
- dehydration
- See swelling in the legs and arms
- Erosion, loosening, and brittleness of teeth
Multiple vomiting, the effects of which are calluses on the fingers.
In addition to physical signs and symptoms, people with this disorder often have some behavioral and emotional symptoms, the most important of which are mentioned below:
Severe dietary restrictions caused by fasting diets or regular fasting.
- Do hard and intense exercise
Overeating and then vomiting to burn calories. This is done through the use of laxatives, enemas, low-calorie diet foods, as well as plant products.
Dealing with food and even cooking for others, but in such a way that the infected person does not eat himself
- Skipping meals or skipping meals frequently
- Avoiding food under the pretext of hunger
Eat foods that are very low in fat or calories.
- Using solid foods and of course after chewing, do not swallow the food and spit it out
- Lack of interest in eating in public places
Excessive fear of obesity and overweight causes him to be constantly gaining weight.
- Constantly looking in the mirror to look at your body and check the condition of your body
- Complaints and dissatisfaction with the obesity of a part or part of the body or all parts of the body
- These people and patients usually wear a lot of clothes on top of each other so that no one notices their obesity.
- Cold, dry and numb mood
- Withdraw from the community and quickly move away from friends or family gatherings
- Suffering, insomnia, and decreased libido
What causes anorexia nervosa?
According to the majority of experts, anorexia nervosa has no exact cause, however, some factors can affect this complication.
Genetic factors: The role of heredity and genetics in the occurrence of this disease is very important. Some people are genetically predisposed to the disease, such as idealists and people with perfectionist thoughts. Because the personality traits of these people make them try harder to achieve the desired physical condition, and therefore they are always obsessed with their weight and body.
“Social factors: Another important issue and factor in people suffering from this disorder is society and the role of social and cultural environment. In many societies, thin women with a lean body are given more attention and importance than obese or even relatively women.” Obese. In this type of society, successful, attractive, and valuable women are considered to be physically fit, lean, and fit. Because by trying to understand how society will accept them in the best conditions, they try to be liked by others by being in good physical condition.
Biological factors: The results of some research and the observation of some evidence show that anorexia nervosa is caused by a disorder in the activity of neurotransmitters in the part of the brain that controls appetite, appetite, and pleasure. These neurotransmitters are also involved in causing some other mental disorders such as depression.
Psychological factors: Certain types of personalities are more prone to this disorder than other groups and personality types. Usually, these people have irrational and erroneous perceptions of their appearance and what they should be. Many of them do not accept their true identity and only seek to be admired and accepted by others in society.
Gender (female): Anorexia and the desire to lose weight are usually more common in women and girls and are more common than in men.
Age: Anorexia nervosa is most often seen in adolescent age groups. Although people of all ages may have some eating disorders, it is still very rare in people over the age of 40. The prevalence of this disorder in adolescent age groups is also due to hormonal changes that occur in their body at this age.
Can anorexia nervosa be prevented?
- The best way to prevent the spread of infection of new people with this complication is to inform the public. In this regard, the media can play an important role. Of course, what we see in various media today is educating people about the benefits of a healthy diet, and less about the side effects of eating disorders. Unfortunately, in television and the series and movies shown in it, skinny women are often used as cinematic or television figures, which is also a factor in driving women’s tastes and tendencies towards losing weight.
- Apart from the issue of media, other work that can be done to prevent this complication helps to internalize the image of the person, and also healthy behaviors that are seen in patients with eating disorders can be seen in the prevention of infection. Be effective and beneficial to anorexia nervosa.
Some other things that can help prevent this disorder are:
- Failure of parents to talk about the issue of overweight and lack of fitness in the presence of children, especially daughters
- Do not blame children by parents or other family members for body shape
- Expressing love and affection for children with delusions of obesity and false overweight and giving them confidence
Eat at least once a day with all family members together.
Treatment of anorexia nervosa:
If the patient can diagnose this disorder in its early stages and is ready to start treatment, the best and most appropriate way is to find a program that includes all the tools needed for recovery. These tools can include severe treatments, nutritional information as well as intensive medical care.
However, if the disease is diagnosed and treated in the more acute stages in such a way that the person feels that his life is in danger, he should be hospitalized immediately to prevent heart problems, dehydration, and other problems. During this time, the patient is under medical care and his vital and physical symptoms are monitored by specialist doctors, and other treatments are applied to improve his condition. Unable to swallow food, they are forced to feed the patient through a feeding tube that enters the stomach through the nose. The treatment for this disorder does not use any medication because it is a neurological disorder. It is psychological and instead of using the medication, the correct diet and diet plan should be used as well as frequent consultations for the recovery and treatment of the patient. In the short term, one should not expect improvement, and every step taken in this direction is a rule It has a small victory for the patient as well as his therapist, which will eventually lead them to complete recovery. So the patient should be patient in this way.
This path uses a nutritionist, a psychoanalytic consultant as well as targeted programs. A list should be made of what helps the patient’s body and mind return to normal. Simultaneously with physical therapy, psychological methods should be used to continue the treatment process and improve the patient’s condition. In this way, the psychologist encourages the patient to engage in activities that make him feel happy and useful.
Closing remarks:
Anorexia nervosa is a disease that gradually and slowly disrupts a person’s mental and physical abilities, so this disorder should not be considered a special way and style of life.
Always remember that no light will appear until you come out of the darkness. A healthy life awaits all human beings and just taking one step is enough to get started. Always be determined to take the first step.
This path uses a nutritionist, a psychoanalytic consultant as well as targeted programs. A list should be made of what helps the patient’s body and mind return to normal. Simultaneously with physical therapy, psychological methods should be used to continue the treatment process and improve the patient’s condition. In this way, the psychologist encourages the patient to engage in activities that make him feel happy and useful.
