| Definition: |
 |
Anorexia
Nervosa is
characterized
by self
induced
starvation
and extreme
weight loss.
Symptoms
include: a
refusal to
maintain
body weight
at or above
a minimally
normal
weight (85%
or less) for
height, body
type, age,
and activity
level; an
intense fear
of being
“fat” or
gaining
weight;
feeling
“fat” or
overweight
despite
dramatic
weight loss;
a
disturbance
in the way
one’s body
is perceived
(distorted
body image);
amenorrhea
(the loss of
three or
more
consecutive
menstrual
cycles); and
extreme
concern/distress
with body
weight and
shape.
|
|
| DSM IV Clinical Definition: |
|
1. Refusal to maintain body weight at or above a minimally normal weight for age and height (e.g., weight loss leading to maintenance of body weight less 85% of that expected; or failure to make expected weight gain during a period or growth, leading to body weight less than 85% of that expected. |
|
2. Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even though underweight. |
|
3.
Disturbance
in the way
in which
one's body weight or shape is experienced, undue influence of body weight or shape on self-evaluation, or denial of the seriousness of the current low body weight. |
|
4. In postmenarchial females, the absence of at least three consecutive menstrual cycles. |
|
| Signs and Symptoms of Anorexia: |
|
 Distorted Body Image (Body Dysmorphic Disorder)
|
Drastic
weight loss
and weight
is still
dropping |
Intense
fear/anxiety
about
gaining
weight |
Preoccupation
with weight,
calories,
food, etc. |
Feelings
of guilt
after eating |
Denial
of hunger |
Low self-esteem |
Avoids
many social
situations,
and
withdraws
from usual
friends and
activities |
Constant
excuses for
not eating |
Frequent
comments
about
feeling
"fat"
despite
weight loss. |
Excessively and compulsively exercises |
Constant complaints of being cold |
Hair loss |
| Paleness,
dizziness,
or fainting
spells |
| Intense,
dramatic
mood swings |
Gaunt
appearance,
yellowish
skin-tone,
and dark
circles
below the
eyes |
Develops
certain food
rituals |
Abuse of laxatives, diet pills, or diuretics |
Wearing loose clothing |
| Exhaustion
and Fatigue |
| Cessation
of a period
for three or
more
consecutive
cycles |
| |
| Medical Complications of Anorexia: |
|
Amenorrhea (cessation of menstrual cycle) |
Severe
dehydration
that can
lead to
kidney
failure |
Memory loss and disorientation |
Fainting
and Fatigue |
Chronic
Constipation |
| Muscle
loss and
weakness
(including
heart) |
| Abnormally
slow, irregular heartbeat that can lead to
heart
failure |
Bone density loss, leads to osteoporosis |
Shrunken
organs |
Fluid and Electrolyte imbalances |
DEATH |
| |
| To find out if you or someone you know maybe suffering from Anorexia Click Here. |
| To find out why people develop anorexia, Click Here. |
| To find out how to approach a loved one who is battling, Click Here. |
| To find treatment in your area for Anorexia Click Here. |
| To find suggested reading lists on Anorexia Click Here. |
| To find personal stories on individuals who overcame Anorexia, Click Here. |
