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Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder which has a psychological basis. An individual with anorexia strives to gain control over life by controlling the amount of food she eats. It could also be a way to alleviate feelings of anger, anxiety or tension. The individual obsesses over a food a great deal and will restrict the amount of food she eats, even if she is too thin. Females are more vulnerable to this condition, although it can also occur in males. The definite factors that lead to anorexia have not been determined.
However, research has indicated some possible causes. There may be the involvement of a genetic component that determines how susceptible an individual is to anorexia. Research is attempting to identify the specific gene that may be influencing a person’s vulnerability to this disorder.
A dysfunction in the thalamus is also believed to be involved in the development of anorexia. Other research has questioned the possibility of neurotransmitter imbalances in the body as being associated with an increased susceptibility to the condition. Individuals with a history of under-eating, problems with feeding during infancy and maternal depressive symptoms may be some of the risk factors for the occurrence of anorexia.
Individuals who suffer from intense negative feelings about themselves or are obsessed with perfectionism may also be predisposed to developing anorexia. For most individuals, the disorder is triggered when there is severe pressure to be thin. Many with this condition have been victims of abuse during childhood.
Individuals that are anorexic have a lower than normal body weight, are bound by a severe fear of putting on weight, are resistant to maintaining normal body weight, perceives themselves as fat even when they are extremely thin and experience missed menstrual periods in succession. Treatment for anorexia nervosa is focused on helping the individual regain her normal body weight, treatment of psychological problems that are related to anorexia and helping the individual to eliminate any thoughts or behaviors that may be causing the disorder. This will help to prevent relapses from occurring. In some cases, medications such as mood stabilizers, antidepressants or antipsychotics may also be prescribed to relieve feelings of anxiety. Psychotherapy is used to alter the person’s behaviors and thoughts in a positive manner. Individual or family counseling may also be required. The treatment may also involve support groups wherein patients and families gather together and share their experiences about their battles with the disorder.
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