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| many people believe that thinner is better. people with eating disorders believe it so deeply that their weight and dieting success become the measure of their self-esteem. thinking that eating is the cause and result of many of their problems, they become trapped in a vicious cycle of repeated rutyalistic, and rigid behavior focused on food. symptoms the most common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa (self-starvation), and bulimia (binging and purging). Some experts also consider compulsive over eating an eating disorder. General Features- Anorexia Nervosa is an illness that mainly affects adolescent girls. The most common features are loss of weight and a change in behaviour. The weight loss may become severe and life threatening. The personality changes will be those of increasing seriousness and introversion and an increasing tendency to become obsessional. She will usually begin to lose contact with her friends. She will regress and appear to lose confidence. She may become less assertive, less argumentative and more dependant. Weight Loss and Risk- The human body copes with periods of semi-starvation and weight loss fairly well Subsequent return to normal weight and eating pattern is usually accompanied by the restoration of physical normality including the ability to have children. Rapid weight loss, the use of vomiting or laxatives to promote weight loss, and the loss of more than 35% of normal body weight are all associated with danger. Prolonged weight loss, of several years, during adolescence may eventually lead to permanent failure of normal growth and an increased risk of osteoporosis in later life. Untreated anorexics have an increased risk of developing Bulimia Nervosa. [anorexia] anorexics are often thin to the point of emaciation, but are afraid to gain weight. they may have symptoms caused by severe weight loss: dry skin, and hair, cold hands and feet, general weakness, constipation, and digestive problems, insomnia, and amenorrhea (loss of menstrual periods). as the weight loss progresses, more severe problems may develop such as increased susceptibility to infections, stress fractures, ketosis (severe chemical imbalances), and weaknesses of the heart muscle that can lead to death. Causes of Anorexia Nervosa- Anorexia Nervosa is an illness of several causes. The weight loss that triggers the illness is often the result of a very normal weight losing diet, of the sort that is typical of many normal adolescent girls, but may be the result of unhappiness or illness. Those who become ill often share characteristics and these are thought to make them vulnerable. The personalities of the girls tend to be conformist, compliant, and hard working. These traits are usually accentuated by the disorder. The families of anorexics are mainly high achieving with high expectations of their children. They often seem to discourage individual growth and encourage conformity. There is frequently a failure to express emotional issues. There are often a lot of pressures such as exams when the illness starts and stresses arising from difficulties in relationships with friends are also common. Course and Outcome- This is a condition in which there are considerable variations in severity, making simple generalisations difficult. Regaining normal weight with a normal eating pattern is the first priority of treatment and when the illness is severe this may require admission to hospital. The return to normal eating unmasks the underlying psychological issues enabling these to be explored. Finally the girl will need to begin to lead a normal life again and where confidence is very low this can be a slow process. Inpatient treatment will often last for 12 to16 weeks and full recovery will often take a further 18 months. Treatment Options- Treatment options are best discussed with the general practitioner who will be able to advise if specialist help is needed. Another source of unbiased advice is the Eating Disorders Association. Some regions have good N.H.S. facilities but many do not or have long waiting lists. Some private clinics also have well developed eating disorder units, but quality varies and costs are often high making medical insurance necessary for many. Sometimes the N.H.S. will pay for private treatment where there are no suitable N.H.S. facilities and these options can be explored by the clinic with the assistance of the local doctor. [bulimia] bulimics may be of average or slightly above average weight, usually do most of their binging and purging secretly, and have rapid weight gains and losses. they purge through self-induced vomiting, abusing laxatives and diuretics, fasting, or overexercising, and are subject to medical problems caused by their purging methods as well as their eating habits. Medical problems include dehydration, constipation, and digestive disorders, severe dental problems, and muscle weakness. As bulimia progresses, ulcers and life-threatening heart irregularities may develop. many anorexics may periodically binge and purge like bulimics. they suffer from a combination of anorexic and bulimic symptoms. [compulsive overeating] compulsive overeaters are usually overweight and may become obese. as their weight increases they may begin to suffer from shortness of breath, high blood pressure, and joint problems. if they become severely obese, their problems can progress to osteoarthiritis, and life threatening disorders such as heart and gall bladder diseases. signs of eating disorders people with eating disorders spend a lot of time thinking about eating, food, weight, and body image - they may count and recount the calories in their meals, weigh themselves many times a day, and place themselves on severely restricted diets, regardless of their weight. they often "feel fat" when their weight is normal or abnormally low, or feel uncomfortable after consuming a normal-size or small meal. generally, they categorize foods as "good" or "bad", and make the judgements about themselves based on how well they control what they eat. believing that others also are judging them based on their control of food, they frequently feel anxious eating when people are around. helping a friend if you think a friend may have an eating disorder, you can help by taking the following steps: 1) discuss your concerns with a professional. learn about eating disorders and available local resources. your campus or community counseling center is a good place to start. 2) talk to your friend. keep the discussion informal and confidential, and focus on your concerns about your friends health, not weight or appearance. explain how the problem is affecting your relationship. mention that eating disorders can be treated successfully. if your friend is able to acknowledge the problem, suggest some resources. 3) realize that you may be rejected. people with eating disorders often deny their problem because they're afraid to admit they're out of control. don't take the rejection personally, and try to end the conversation in a way that will allow you to come back to the subject at another time. 4) know your limits. if you sense that you're getting angry or impatient, back off. and don't take on the role of counselor or food monitor, it's inappropriate and ineffectual. what causes eating disorders cultural and psychological issues, personality traits, and learned behavior all contribute to eating disorders. in addition, some people may have biochemical imbalances that make them prone to these disorders. american culture encourages people to base self-worth on body weight and shape - if you aren't as thin as a fashion model or as muscular as a fitness fanatic, you may see yourself as a less valuable person. at the same time, food is often used as a source of love and comfort, and eating is an important part of social events. the resulting confusion can lead to conflict about why and when to eat. although men are increasingly suscpetible to this confusion, women are especially vulnerable because traditionally a woman's physical appearance is viewed as very important in attracting a partner. people with eating disorders are often subject to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. they generally are perfectionists who feel inadequate, ashamed and guilty when they don't measure up to their own standards - standards that are often unrealistic and based on rigid, black/white, either/or thinking. an eating disorder is also a learned coping skill used to rechannel, avoid, or forget emotions - anger, sadness, anxiety, or even joy - that feel to threatening. people with eating disorders have learned to wear "masks" as a way of coping. they may appear happy but are experiencing a lot of sadness. this behavior may be learned from family or peers. often, a parent of someone with an eating disorder abuses food alcohol, or other drugs. |
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