Anorexia - Pinpointing and Attending to its Onslaught

The first step in treating anorexia is to identify its symptoms with the patient. By recognizing their own indicators, a patient is one step closer to conquering the disease.

And though eating disorders are a rare mental health disorder (when compared to issues like depression), they have a high morbidity rate - meaning it's critical to identify the disease and treat it effectively.

To learn more about Anorexia nervosa, including the disease's symptoms, keep reading.

The Basics of Anorexia

Anorexia, or Anorexia nervosa, is a disease defined as a patient's refusal or (seemingly) inability to maintain a normal body weight. This is often coupled with intense anxiety and fear about gaining weight along with a false or distorted self image. People with anorexia often see themselves as fat, even if they are clearly emaciated and malnourished.

Symptoms Associated with the Disease

Typically, anorexia is diagnosed by the patient him or herself or by a loved one who recognizes the warning signs of the disease. Treatment is then sought by a psychiatric professional. Common warning indicators include sudden and extreme weight loss, fatigue, fainting, high stress levels and nausea.

Once the disease progresses and the weight loss begins to take its toll, the symptoms become more dramatic and apparent. These include loss of hair, rotting or weak teeth, bad skin, dry skin, dry scalp and irregular menstrual cycles.

To clinically identify the disease and then mark progress, it's critical that psychiatrists and medical doctors obtain complete measurements of the patient's height and weight. Their BMI (body mass index) can then be tracked on an ongoing basis. The doctor should also exclude other possible causes of the weight loss such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diabetes mellitus or severe depression.

In addition, the supervising doctor should ask for a full blood count, electrolytes, thyroid function tests and liver function assessments. This ought to be done to either exclude hypokalaemia, anemia, or hyperthyroidism or identify them as possible side symptoms of the disease itself.

Why Anorexia Nervosa is Hard to Treat

Though diagnosing the disease may be relatively simple, treating it is another story. The patient may be in extreme denial and continue to maintain that nothing is wrong with them or their lifestyle. They may also hide symptoms or gain small amounts of weight to maintain a secretive level of obsession with their weight.

Many patients know they must seek treatment, but the idea of eating or possibly gaining weight is incredibly stressful and even frightening. They know the potential dangers and threat of death, but are unable to take action - essentially becoming psychologically paralyzed. Because the disease is often coupled with lethargy and depression, it's even harder to treat.

So, despite the fact that many anorexia symptoms can be quickly identified, the disease is very difficult to treat and cure. Early intervention is always recommended, along with the full support of a patient's family.