People often ask us about the anorexia people experience. If you don’t have anorexia disorder, it can be hard to understand. Actually, it can be hard to understand even if you are anorexic.
Anorexia is a condition in which a person restricts food, usually in order to lose weight. An anorexic person is usually underweight, often severely so. The anorexic person may believe they are fat even when underweight.
The disorder can also be about control. People who have a strong need to control their lives but feel out of control may begin to restrict food because that is one thing they can control.
The anorexia people experience can be as individual as the people themselves. There are many reasons a person becomes anorexic, but all lead to a downward spiral of self-destruction.
Anorexia is a very serious disorder. Many anorexia people are unaware of the complications that may occur. Actually, the public at large may be unaware of the health risks. Someone with anorexia should seek help right away in order to avoid, or at least get treatment for, these health problems.
Complications of Anorexia Disorder
There are numerous medical complications of anorexia disorder. Some common health problems are:
- Dehydration
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Low blood pressure
- Heart arrhythmias
- Infertility
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- A weakened heart muscle, increasing the risk of cardiac arrest
The longer a person is anorexic, the more severe the health risks become. Without intervention, anorexia can be fatal. Most often deaths are caused by massive organ failure or by cardiac arrest.
Causes of Anorexia Disorder
People often ask us what causes anorexia. The truth is, we don’t really know. Perhaps people are born with a predisposition to the disorder, just like people are born with a predisposition to alcoholism or depression.
There is usually a “trigger” that sets the disorder in motion, though. Many people believe that the images of ultra-thin women in the media play a part. Others believe that trauma, particularly childhood abuse, affects the disorder. Other times, there is no trigger that can be identified.
Luckily, the cause of the disorder does not have to be known in order for treatment to be successful.
Treating Anorexia Disorder
Anorexia is very a very complex disorder and requires comprehensive, expert care. Both medical care and mental health care are required.
Medical treatment for anorexia people addresses all of the health problems caused by the disorder. As you can see from the list above, there can be a wide range of medical problems that must be addressed. In addition, anorexic people are usually severely underweight. They may need to be tube-fed for a time while undergoing medical treatment.
Following medical treatment, anorexia people need education. Education includes learning about nutrition and healthy eating, as well as learning new coping skills.
Counseling is also an important part of the treatment process. Both individual and group counseling can be valuable.
Inpatient care is often needed to treat anorexia. Even after the medical complications of the disorder are under control, inpatient psychological care is usually needed. Inpatient care can last a long time, up to six months or more. Following inpatient care, outpatient follow up care is needed.
With proper treatment, many anorexic people are able to make a good recovery. Getting specialized treatment is key here, because inexpert care can do more harm than good. If you need treatment for anorexia, look for a treatment center or counselor that specializes in eating disorders.