Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia Nervosa is a condition in which the person refuses to eat properly and maintain more than minimum body weight for fear of becoming fat. They have a distorted perception about their own figure, and always see the flab that does not exist. Restricting and purging are two types of the ailment. In the former the patient eats very little and exercises strenuously, and in the latter consumed food is purged through vomiting, enemas or diuretics.
Those who suffer from this illness deny the condition. They consider themselves to be healthy and shy away from treatment, when others believe they are unwell. Anorexia Nervosa has to be reversed as in the case of addiction, and is curable. Though commonly seen in girls between the age of 11 and 20, it can exist in children, men and the elderly, and can affect people of all classes and races. In teenagers it is difficult to diagnose, as the symptoms initially can seem like some changes adolescents generally undergo.
Drastic loss of weight, irregular periods, weakness and feeling cold always, unhealthy skin, hair, and nails are some of the symptoms of the Anorexia Nervosa. Patients frequently check weight and complain about their figure, they eat much lesser than they used to and exercise compulsively. They think they are fat while people see an undernourished, sick person. They tend to deny their condition, and hide facts about their erratic eating habits, and they may make frequent trips to the toilet. Irritability, lethargy, withdrawal etc. accompany.
Anorexia Nervosa is a disease that affects all body functions. Vital organs like brain, heart, and lungs etc. due to lack of proper nutrients start depending on the secondary organs like skin, muscles and bones, due to which they are damaged. Metabolism reduces and heart slows down, decreasing oxygen supply to the brain. Teeth, gums, digestive system are all damaged due to lack of nutrition. As the patients accept that they are unwell, the condition worsens. Alcoholism, substance abuse and even suicide can be the side effects of the disease.
