Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia Nervosa is a syndrome of self-starvation in which the individual restricts food intake to overcome the intense fear of becoming obese.  Anorexics feel and perceive themselves as fat, even though they are emaciated. They suffer from a distorted perception of their bodies.  They have difficulty identifying body sensations, including that of hunger.  Anorexia is related to disturbances in the sense of self, identity and autonomy.  Besides using starvation and exercise as a means of controlling weight, anorexics often resort to abusing laxative, diuretics and/or self-induced vomiting.  Typically, anorexics deny that they have a problem and refuse treatment.

• Refusal to maintain healthy body weight.
• Intense fear of gaining weight.
• Distorted body image.
• Amenorrhea. (no menstrual period)
• Restrictive food intake and starvation.
• Denial of problem.
• Refuse treatment.
• Emaciated appearance.
• Low body temperature.
• Slowed heart rate.
• Low blood pressure.
• Lanugo (soft, fine body hair)
• Electrolyte imbalance.
• Coma.
• Death

Adapted from:

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.  Vol. IV  American Psychiatric        Association.  1994

Warning Signs Of Anorexia Nervosa

• Deliberate self-starvation and continuous dieting
• Weight loss.
• Intense, persistent fear of gaining weight.
• Refusal to eat, except tiny portions.
• Denial of hunger.
• Compulsive exercise.
• Excessive facial/body hair because of inadequate protein in the diet.
• Abnormal weight loss.
• Sensitivity to cold.
• Absent or irregular menstruation.
• Hair loss.

[Myths about Anorexia]

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