Anorexia

Anorexia





Anorexia





Anorexia Nervosa is a mental condition which affects one’s both physical and mental health. It is a condition that causes one to have a distorted self-image and forces themselves to starve even if their body weight is already dangerously low. Patients with anorexia nervosa often experience dizziness, headaches, drowsiness, fever, and a lack of energy. To counteract these side effects, individuals with anorexia may engage in other harmful behaviors, such as smoking, excessive caffeine consumption, and attempting to take diet pills, along with an increased exercise regimen. (Wikipedia)
Studies suggest the continuance of disordered eating patterns may be epiphenomena of starvation. The results of the Minnesota Starvation Experiment showed normal controls exhibit many of the behavioral patterns of anorexia nervosa (AN) when subjected to starvation. This may be due to the numerous changes in the neuroendocrine system, which results in a self-perpetuating cycle.
Studies have also suggested the initial weight loss such as dieting may be the triggering factor in developing AN in some cases, possibly because of an already inherent predisposition toward AN. One study reported cases of AN resulting from unintended weight loss that resulted from varied causes, such as a parasitic infection, medication side effects, and surgery. The weight loss itself was the triggering factor. Even though anorexia does not affect males as often in comparison to females, studies have shown that males with a female twin have a higher chance of getting anorexia. Therefore anorexia may be linked to intrauterine exposure to female hormones. (Keys, Henschel and Mickelsen)
The media has created an image of what is socially acceptable. Today’s younger generation often feel that they must fit the image the media has created. The biological traits, social issues and misleading media presented here are all causes of anorexia.


A successful treatment must...

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