Anorexia Nervosa: Symptoms, Causes And Natural Treatment
What Is Anorexia Nervosa And Symptoms
Anorexia nervosa is a disorder that is observed in individuals as an excessive fear of gaining weight which thereby results in the individual constantly trying to become thin. At times, an individual suffering from anorexia may become overly aggressive about losing weight and thus become dangerously thin. However, as far as the individual is concerned no matter how much of weight they lose they are never thin enough as they have an unreal or distorted view of their body or weight. Thus anorexia nervosa is both a physical and a psychological disorder. This disorder is classified into two types, namely the restricting type wherein the individual will go overboard with their diet or exercise excessively. The second type of anorexia is the purging type wherein the affected individual will feel guilty after supposedly consuming excess calories by talking laxatives or inducing vomiting.
Treatment For Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa treatment aims at addressing three vital areas, namely getting the person back to a healthy weight as per their height, age, gender etc., Addressing the psychological angle to this disorder and finally minimizing or eradicating the thought process or behaviors which lead to such a disorder in the individual. There are various types of treatments that may be used to eliminate anorexia nervosa in an individual. On of the treatments is Psychotherapy which may be conducted on an individual level with the patient or with family or spouse if the patient is married. The family or spouse psychotherapy tends to be very beneficial as they allow the patient to realize the impact of their behavior on their family. This also helps in strengthening the family bonds which in turn ensures that the individual is on the road to recovery with this added support. Another treatment for anorexia nervosa is Group therapy which is typically facilitated by professionals who bring together patients suffering from this disorder so that they may share their experiences and their plans on combating this disorder. Medication is another treatment used occasionally, to address the side effects of anxiety, depression, gastric disorders etc. However medication will work only if it’s coupled with psychological help that will address emotional disorders in the individual. In extreme cases, hospitalization may also be required to encourage weight gain, to monitor the patient constantly against self destructive behavior and if there are some serious digestive problems.
Individuals suffering from anorexia for prolonged periods of time also expose themselves to serious diseases such a cardiac arrests, dehydration, brain damage and so on.