According to the DSM, anorexics refuse to maintain body weight at or above a minimally normal weight for their age and height, experience an intense fear of gaining weight or gaining weight, despite being underweight, misunderstand the severity of their weight loss and exert an undue influence on body weight. Another common symptom of anorexia is obsessively thinking about food and weight. Their weight and body image are directly related to their self-esteem, and they experience intense fear and anxiety about gaining weight and not losing enough weight. Obsessive and frequent weighing is a common behavior in people with anorexia, as is obsessive meal planning and counting calories or grams of fat.
As with any disease, there are symptoms that are associated with anorexia nervosa that can be physical and behavioral. Physical symptoms include extreme weight loss and fatigue. Due to the severe restriction in caloric intake, the individual will lose extreme amounts of weight in a short period of time. With this weight loss comes fatigue, since the body does not receive any form of energy to continue to function in a healthy way.
In addition to these physical symptoms, the person may also experience dizziness and changes in skin color due to the lower amount of nutrients that come from food.
Anorexia nervosa
is a serious mental illness that can be life-threatening. Anorexia nervosa is characterized by restriction of energy intake, which leads to significantly low body weight, accompanied by intense fear of weight gain and body image disturbances. Changes in the brain due to starvation and malnutrition can make it difficult for a person with anorexia nervosa to recognize that they are not well or to understand the possible effects of the disease.If you think that you or someone you know may have anorexia nervosa, it is important that you seek help right away. Although the disorder most commonly begins during adolescence, an increasing number of children and older adults are also diagnosed with anorexia. If you think you or a friend or family member may have anorexia, know that recovery is possible and that help is available. The reasons for developing anorexia may be different for each person and may include genetics, past trauma, and other mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression.
Atypical anorexia includes those who meet the criteria for anorexia but who are not underweight despite significant weight loss. A person with anorexia nervosa has an intense fear of gaining weight, or persistent behavior that interferes with weight gain, despite having a low body weight. If you or someone you know has signs and symptoms of anorexia, it is essential that you seek help and attention as soon as possible.
eating disorders
affect at least 9% of the world's population, and anorexia affects approximately 1% to 2% of the population.However, people with anorexia often don't admit they have a problem and may resist treatment or refuse to follow the treatment plan. People who are diagnosed with anorexia often also have symptoms of other conditions, such as depression, anxiety, hyperactivity, perfectionism, and impulsivity (. However, recent studies have suggested that antidepressants may not be effective in preventing some patients with anorexia from relapsing. According to some studies, people with anorexia are up to ten times more likely to die as a result of their illness compared to people without the disorder.
You cannot tell if a person has anorexia just by his appearance, because anorexia also involves mental and behavioral components, not just physical ones. If you or someone you know experiences the following signs and symptoms of anorexia, it's important to seek help. If a person with anorexia suffers from severe malnutrition, all organs of the body can be damaged, including the brain, heart and kidneys. .
