Disease/Condition’s Name
Eating Disorders
Introduction
Eating disorders (such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa) are psychological disorders that involve extreme disturbances in eating behavior. Experts believe many persons who have an eating disorder have kept the problem a secret. Eating disorders often start in the late teens and early adulthood.
Overview and Facts
Eating disorders were thought to be affecting females only however 10-15% of the persons who have eating disorders are males.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, as many as 1 in every 100 females has anorexia nervosa. Persons with anorexia fear gaining weight and are at least 15% below their ideal body weights. They believe the main measure of self-worth is their body image.
Symptoms
Symptoms of eating disorders may include the following:
- A distorted body image
- Skipping most meals
- Unusual eating habits
- Frequent weighing
- Extreme weight change
- Insomnia or sleeping problems
- Constipation
- Skin rash or dry skin
- Dental cavities
- Erosion of tooth enamel
- Loss of hair or nail quality
- Hyperactivity and high interest in exercise
Persons with eating disorders are often in denial that anything is wrong. They may be moody, anxious, or depressed. They may withdraw from friends, and become overly sensitive to criticism. The problem arises when relatives are not aware of these symptoms because the person keeps them hidden; just like the trauma, insecurities, depression, or low self-esteem that may help trigger the disorder.
Consult a doctor if:
- You feel like you have symptoms of an eating disorder.
- You suspect a family member or friend has an eating disorder, talk with them about the problem.
The sooner you get medical and psychological treatment, the faster you will be on your way to recovery.
Causes and Risk Factors
There is no one cause of an eating disorder. Experts link eating disorders to a combination of factors, such as family relationships, psychological problems, low self-esteem and genetics.
In some studies, researchers linked an¬orexia with an obsession with perfectionism, concern over mistakes, high personal standards, and parental expectations and criticism.
Tests and Diagnosis
To diagnose an eating disorder, a person should consult a mental health professional who will rely on scientific criteria to check whether he/she has an eating disorder.
The doctor will examine you and ask about your symptoms. He or she may ask other questions to see how you are doing emotionally. This is called a mental health assessment.
Your doctor may also do blood or urine tests to rule out other conditions.
Treatment
The main treatments for eating disorders are a combination of:
- Psychotherapy/ Cognitive behavioral therapy which helps by identifying and replacing inaccurate thoughts to help change behavior and emotional state.
- Medication such as antidepressants.
- Nutritional feeding and medical monitoring.
If left untreated, eating disorders can lead to serious illness and even death.
Sources and Links