Anorexia
Symptoms
Breathing difficulties
Physical weakness of the whole body.
Headaches or dizziness.
Difficulty with muscle movement.
Cognitive changes (memory loss, altered states of judgment)
What are the diagnostic criteria for the disorder? How do doctors tell if you have the disorder?
To be diagnosed with anorexia nervosa you have to have the following
Restriction of energy intake relative to requirements leading to a significantly low body weight in the context of age, sex, developmental trajectory, and physical health.
Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even though underweight.
Disturbance in the way in which one's body weight or shape is experienced, undue influence of body weight or shape on self-evaluation, or denial of the seriousness of the current low body weight.
Risks or factors
How common is anorexia?
Mood disorders are more common in the binge/purge subtype than in the restrictive subtype.
There are over 2,600 additional deaths per year from anorexia nervosa in the US.
50 - 80% of the risk for anorexia is genetic.
33 - 50% of anorexia patients have a comorbid mood disorder, such as depression
Teen girls between 13 and 19 and young women in their early 20s are most at risk.
Gastrointestinal microbiota and autoimmune reactions..
Childhood and early adolescent exposures.
Personality traits and comorbid mental health conditions.
Body image and social influence.
Treatment
Treatment for anorexia is generally done using a team approach, which includes doctors, mental health professionals and dietitians, all with experience in eating disorders.
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Ongoing therapy and nutrition education are highly important to continued recovery.
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