Symptoms, treatment and prevention of anorexia nervosa.
It has to be mentioned that a person may experience anorexia nervosa,  even if one or more of the symptoms described below are not present. In other words, these signs may be characteristic and important but not necessary for the diagnosis of this persistent eating disorder. On the other hand, one or more of these signs can be present possibly due to other conditions and not anorexia nervosa.
Symptoms and signs of anorexia nervosa include:
 Body mass index which is less than 17.5.
Performance of excessive exercise and in general, physical activity.
Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming obese.
Irregular and persistent heart beat or frequent palpitations.
Amenorrhea. This is a condition that affects females and is characterized by missed periods.
Excessive acne.
Skeletal and muscle atrophy which results in distorted posture.
Excessive waste of fat tissue.
High rate of tooth erosions and cavities.
Dry skin and thinning hair.
Unexplained blood pressure fluctuations.
Blotchy or pale skin.
Impaired memory.
Abuse of laxatives.
Detailed meal planning days or weeks in advance.
Fainting spells.
Depression and anxiety.
Treatment of anorexia nervosa.
Treatment of anorexia nervosa is a matter that requires the involvement of a clinician and psychiatrist, as well. Successful treatment is possible but recovery from anorexia nervosa may require intense and prolonged effort on behalf of both; the patient and the healthcare provider. As it happens to nearly all of health problems, the earlier the diagnosis of the eating disorder, the more successful the treatment is likely to be. Unfortunately, the majority of patients, suffering from anorexia nervosa, fail to acknowledge the problem in time and when they seek help, the advanced stage of the condition makes the treatment quite challenging.
The major difficulty for an effective therapeutical pattern is the refusal on behalf of the patient to admit the presence of a serious eating disorder, like anorexia nervosa. In other words, the practitioner has to convince the person that he/she has ended up with a dangerous situation which is the only problem and not any body weight that hypothetically has to be lost.
The urgent phase of anorexia treatment is to restore nutritional balance and elevate body weight to proper level. In very serious cases, hospitalization may be needed for intravenous feeding. For instance, the latest is necessary for patients, presenting a BMI of 12.5 or less. Appropriate treatment for any present vitamin and dietary mineral deficiencies must be provided. Especially in the common cases of potassium and zinc deficiency, the quick restoration of normal levels may be highly beneficial to the patient's mental and physical balance.
The second stage of treatment of anorexia is crucial and includes emotional support on behalf of the patient's close environment. In addition, psychotherapy and pharmaceutical anti-depressant therapy are the means, required for prevention of any relapses of anorexia nervosa.
The attendance to supportive groups, where sufferers share common difficulties, therapeutical experiences and ideas, may be proved very helpful.
Prevention of anorexia nervosa.
In certain cases, prevention may not be possible. Occasionally, a series of psychoanalysis sessions with a qualified specialist can help. Promoting healthy, realistic standards toward proper physique, balanced diet and healthy body weight may be helpful.
|
