Anorexia Nervosa Research
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder in which the person refuses to maintain a normal weight because of fear of obesity. The vast majority of people who experience this disorder are women. It usually begins early in life, and it occurs more frequently in the upper social brackets and more affluent population. It can be mild with short duration or it can last for many years. Death rates from anorexia nervosa have been reported to be as much as twenty percent but because of undetected cases the percentage of deaths cannot be accurately determined. Significant components of the cause of anorexia nervosa appear to be social factors, reflecting the goal in western society to have a slim appearance, and the strong disapproval in our society of obesity. Even young children are aware of these values: many children diet or take other measures to control their weight, but only a few become afflicted with anorexia nervosa.
The definition of anorexia is "lack of appetite" but people afflicted with anorexia nervosa are actually hungry and interested in all aspects of food, including diets and limited calorie intake. Many hoard and conceal food and deliberately conceal their condition. The people who have anorexia are in two groups: About fifty percent decrease the amount they eat; the other half keep thin by vomiting or taking laxatives or diuretics. In the progression of anorexia nervosa, women stop having menstrual periods. Both women and men lose interest in sex. As the disorder continues they will have edema, low blood pressure, low heart rate, and low body temperature. Many remain healthy and engage in strenuous exercises, but most with this disorder see their health deteriorate, both physically and mentally, with problems that include depression and suicide.
Anorexia nervosa is usually diagnosed by severe weight loss and the psychological indications. Treatment must be under a doctor's care and consists of restoring body weight and psychotherapy. Of utmost importance is attaining minimal body weight as severe losses in weight are life threatening. Treatment may begin in a hospital where trained attendants strive to induce the person to eat. After the weight is restored, a long term period with specialists begins to get the person in a calm and stable environment with the desire to keep a normal weight.
