Anorexia nervosa is a psychological disorder characterized by an aversion to eating and fear of gaining weight.

The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that 1% of women and adolescent girls have anorexia nervosa. The percentage of men and adolescent boys with anorexia nervosa is much lower, as males account for less than 10% of reported cases, but the incidence in males is increasing. In the U.S., more than 1,000 women die from anorexia nervosa annually.

Medical Impact of Anorexia Nervosa

At its worst, anorexia nervosa can lead to a person's death. Because people with anorexia nervosa starve do not get the nutrition necessary for good health, they can damage almost every organ system or body part, including the brain, liver, kidneys, heart, GI tract, bones, teeth, skin and hair. If left untreated, anorexia nervosa can result in serious medical conditions, such as osteoporosis, retarded growth, kidney problems, ulcers and heart failure.

Signs of Anorexia Nervosa

Individuals with anorexia nervosa often take extreme measures to avoid eating. They may lie or make excuses for not eating. They may claim to be dieting, say they have become vegetarians or vegans, or say they are fasting for religious reasons. They will deny being hungry.

Because they avoid eating, people with anorexia nervosa often become abnormally thin - and still talk about feeling fat or bloated. Because they have a distorted image of their body, they often will continue to diet, even when they are severely underweight.

In spite of dieting, people with anorexia nervosa are typically preoccupied with food, cooking, nutrition and the number of calories in each meal.

Another sign of anorexia nervosa is the tendency to exercise obsessively - well beyond what is needed to maintain good health. Individuals with anorexia nervosa also weigh themselves frequently. They often restrict not only food, but relationships, social activities an d pleasure.

Physical signs of anorexia nervosa include thinning hair, dry, flaky skin and cracked or broken nails. Woman with anorexia nervosa often stop menstruating.

Causes of Anorexia Nervosa

Causes of anorexia nervosa vary, but there are usually a variety of contributing factors. A traumatic event, which may have taken place years before anorexia nervosa manifests itself, is often a cause. Such events may include:

• Sexual abuse or rape
• Emotional abuse
• Parents' divorce
• Death of a loved one
• Physical violence

Anorexia nervosa often starts with a diet, which is meant to help the anoretic regain self-esteem and control. Because their self-esteem is low, individuals with anorexia nervosa often have a distorted image of their body and perceive that they need to lose weight.

Some people perceive anorexia nervosa as a way to cope with problems when they feel out of control.

Helping Someone With Anorexia Nervosa

If you suspect you or someone you know has anorexia nervosa, do something about it. Anorexia nervosa is a life-threatening disease. Seek professional counseling immediately.

For help, contact Walden Behavioral Care at 781-647-6700 or Info@waldenbehavioralcare.com.