if you or someone you know is suffering from anorexia nervosa or you are just looking for more information about the disorder than this article is for you. Anorexia nervosa, more commonly referred to as anorexia, is a severe eating disorder that effects both men and women of all ages, races, and economic backgrounds. If you or someone you know is living with anorexia nervosa than continue reading this article to find out more. Throughout the article we will discuss what anorexia is as well as what causes it, the symptoms of anorexia, and where an individual can go to seek help for the disorder.

To begin, let's discuss what anorexia is and what may lead an individual to become anorexic. Anorexia nervosa is a very serious eating disorder in which an individual refuses to eat and reaches, or comes close to reaching, the point of starvation. It is characterized by a distorted self image, an obsessive fear of gaining weight, and an extremely low body weight. Most people believe that anorexia only effects women. While it is much more common in women, there are also many men who experience the disorder as well. It most commonly begins its onset in adolescence but can also begin in early childhood or adulthood. In the United States it is estimated that 1 in every 100 girls will experience the disorder at some point throughout their lives. This is a very disturbing fact as anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder.

While no one definite cause of anorexia has been established, research has shown that biological factors may play a significant role. Researchers have found that there is a specific gene that seems to increase an individuals susceptibility to developing anorexia. Other research shows that a dysfunction in t hypothalamus, the part of the brain that regulates metabolic processes, may also contribute to the development of anorexia.

There are also many environmental factors that can put individuals at risk of developing anorexia nervosa. Environmental risk factors include, but are not limited to, malnutrition as a baby, maternal depressive symptoms, childhood abuse, and a negative outlook of the self. The disorder, anorexia nervosa, is often compounded by a poor self image and pressure to be thin and attractive.

As said previously, anorexia nervosa is an extremely serious disorder that can lead to a variety of unhealthy and deadly symptoms. Anorexia, associated with extreme malnutrition, can often cause severe complications in every major organ within the body. Becoming seriously underweight can lead to both depression and social withdrawal. Lack of nutrition also leads the individual to become extremely tired and irritable. More serious complications can also arise. Anorexic individuals can experience extremely low heart rates and blood pressure as well as gastrointestinal complications, disturbances in menstrual cycles, bone density loss, and anaemia. Anorexic individuals can also experience other physical differences such as flaky skin, facial hair, brittle nails, and loss of tooth enamel.

The side effects of anorexia can be devastating both to the individual with the disorder and their family. It can end up effecting every aspect of life and if not treated can end fatally. If you or someone you know is battling anorexia it is extremely important to seek out help before it is too late. It can be treated both in an outpatient setting or through hospitalization. With hospitalization, the first goal is to treat the malnutrition, regaining the individuals health. However, when treating anorexia, more is needed than hospital care. Anorexia is not only a physical disorder, but a mental one as well. Anorexics need extra help to prevent themselves from regressing to their unhealthy habits. Individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy are all treatments that may help anorexia patients. These psychological treatments focus on the underlying issues surrounding anorexia, including issues of control, perfectionism, and self-perception.

Anorexia is an extremely serious and possible fatal eating disorder that effects many women and men today. If not dealt with it can lead to gastrointestinal problems, depression, and bone density loss. If not cured, the symptoms can be fatal. If you or someone you know is suffering from anorexia nervosa do not wait to seek out help. If you want to cure anorexia, it is not enough to deal with the physical issues, the psychological issues must be addressed as well. Get yourself or someone you know help today, and save a life!Vince Armstrong