What Is Anorexia Nervosa?
Author: Heather Colman

Anorexia nervosa is a psychiatric diagnosis that describes an
eating disorder characterized by low body weight and body image
distortion. Individuals with anorexia often control body weight
by voluntary starvation, purging, vomiting, excessive exercise,
or other weight control measures, such as diet pills or diuretic
drugs.

Anorexia nervosa primarily affects young adolescent girls in
the Western world and has one of the highest mortality rates of
any psychiatric condition, with approximately 10% of people
diagnosed with the condition eventually dying due to related
factors.

The suicide rate of people with anorexia is also higher than
that of the general population and is thought to be the major
cause of death for those with this condition.

Anorexia nervosa is a complex condition, involving
psychological, neurobiological, physiological and sociological
components.

A person who is suffering from anorexia is referred to as
anorexic. Anorexia nervosa is frequently shortened to anorexia
in both the media and scientific literature. This is
technically incorrect, as strictly speaking anorexia refers to
the medical symptom of reduced appetite.

It is clear that there is no single cause for anorexia and that
it stems from a mixture of social, psychological and biological
factors. Current research is commonly focused on explaining
existing factors and uncovering new causes. However, there is
considerable debate over how much each of the known causes
contributes to the development of anorexia. In particular, the
contribution of perceived media pressure on women to be thin
has been especially contentious.

Anorexia can be difficult to treat. A recent review suggested
that less than one-half recover fully, one-third improve, and
20% remain chronically ill.

The first line of treatment for anorexia is usually focused on
immediate weight gain, especially with those who have
particularly serious conditions that require hospitalization.
In particularly serious cases, this may be done under as an
involuntary hospital treatment under mental health law, where
such legislation exists. In the majority of cases, however,
people with anorexia are treated as outpatients, with input
from physicians, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists and
other mental health professionals.

A recent clinical review has suggested that psychotherapy is an
effective form of treatment and can lead to restoration of
weight and improved psychological and social functioning when
compared to simple support or education programs. However, this
review also noted that there are only a small number of
randomized controlled trials on which to base this
recommendation. No specific type of psychotherapy seems to show
any overall advantage when compared to other types.

Family therapy has also been found to be an effective treatment
for adolescents with anorexia and in particular, a method
developed at the Maudsley Hospital is widely used and found to
maintain improvement over time.

It is important to note that many recovering underweight people
(who are more or less forced against their will into recovery by
angry parents or other relatives) often harbour a hateful
dislike for those who they feel are robbing them of their
treasured emaciation. Often when well-meaning friends or
relatives compliment the recoveree on how much healthier they
look, the recoverees mind replaces healthy with fat.

Drug treatments, such as SSRI or other antidepressant
medication, have not found to be generally effective for either
treating anorexia or preventing relapse although there is a lack
of adequate research in this area. It is common, however, for
antidepressants to be prescribed, often with the intent of
trying to treat the associated anxiety and depression.

Disclaimer - The information presented here should not be
interpreted as medical advice. If you need more information
about anorexia, please consult a qualified physician for the
best treatment options available.


About The Author: This article is Copyright (c) 2006, Heather
Colman. Find more anorexia resources at:
http://www.anorexia-centre.info