Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by extremely low body weight, an inordinate fear of gaining weight, and a misperception of body weight. Anorexia nervosa is a serious mental disorder and should not be ignored.
Anorexia nervosa or anorexia is a mental disorder. This is because the mindset of the sufferer is distorted and can harm him.
Generally, a new anorexic sufferer feels himself valuable if he is thin. However, the thinness that anorexics desire is medically abnormal.
Symptoms and Causes of Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexics are obsessed with being thin and will make every effort to achieve it. In fact, he doesn't care if these efforts can endanger his health as long as he can lose weight. Some of these efforts are:
- Limiting food portions to a minimum or not eating at all
- Limit drinking
- Doing too much exercise
- Using drugs, such as laxatives and appetite suppressants
As a result of this behavior, sufferers of anorexia nervosa can experience dehydration, nutritional deficiencies, and even heart rhythm disturbances ( arrhythmias ).
It is not yet known what causes anorexia nervosa. However, this condition is thought to be related to environmental, psychological, and biological factors.
Treatment and Prevention of Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa can be treated with psychotherapy . Several types of psychotherapy that can be done are cognitive behavioral therapy, family-based therapy, and group therapy.
Apart from psychotherapy, sufferers of anorexia nervosa often require medical treatment at the hospital because of their weakened physical condition due to lack of nutrition. Usually the patient will be asked to undergo hospitalization so that the doctor can monitor the patient's vital signs and treat emergency conditions due to anorexia.
There is no sure way to prevent anorexia nervosa. The best thing that can be done to avoid this condition is to create a supportive environment and not prioritize physical appearance.