Reasons for Anorexia

Anorexia can develop from a combination of biological, psychological and social triggers. Perfectionism is a strong personality trait of a person with anorexia. Other things that can contribute are genetics or a family history of eating disorders or a highly stressful personal event like divorce or the death of a loved one. Some professions, which require an 'ideal' or unrealistic body image, can create an environment for eating disorders, like models, professional dancers or athletes. Most anorexics are women and it can occur from early childhood onwards.

People suffering from anorexia tend to restrict themselves to certain food types, over exercise, see themselves as overweight even when they are not, and be secretive about food and their eating habits. They may also use diuretics or induce vomiting.

Anorexia Treatment

Unfortunately, most anorexics see weight loss as an achievement and will not seek medical advice or treatment on their own. Every anorexic requires treatment, including steps to learn good eating habits, maintain a healthy body weight and professional counseling. Treatment for anorexia requires investigation into the person's medical history, a physical examination to assess the person's body mass index (to determine how underweight they are), and a mental health assessment.

Besides low body weight, signs of anorexia can include thinning hair, dry skin, brittle nails, constipation, no menstrual cycle, lower than normal body temperature, low blood pressure, slow heartbeat, high pain tolerance, poor blood circulation, swollen feet/hands and a yellow/orange skin colour.

There is no medication to treat anorexia itself, but medication may be needed to treat medical conditions that are caused by anorexia, like anxiety, depression, osteoporosis or heart problems. Obviously if the person's condition is life threatening, hospitalization will be needed to treat the malnutrition and its related problems.

Treatment for anorexia is normally long term. The longer the patient has had the condition, the more difficult the treatment will be. Treatment could involve a doctor, mental health professional and nutritionist to treat not only the physical starvation, but also correct abnormal thoughts, attitudes and behaviour related to the eating disorder, as well as any personal relationship problems. Family therapy may also be required to assist in the patient's recovery. Having another disease or disorder from the anorexia, can complicate the treatment and could prolong the duration and intensity of the treatment. Depending on the severity of the weight loss, treatment could take anything from 2-6 months.