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Citations Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research . (2018, February 20). . .
Anorexia nervosa Mayo Clinic https :// . . /
www mayoclinic org diseases conditions anorexia nervosa symptoms - / - / -
/
causes syc -20353591.

ANOREXIA NERVOSA
HNRX

What is it?

An eating disorder
Physical
characterized by an
Symptoms?
abnormally low body

,
weight an intense fear of
Extreme weight loss or not making expected

developmental weight gains

Thin appearance

gaining weight and a Abnormal blood counts

Fatigue

distorted perception of
Insomnia

.
Dizziness or fainting

Absence of menstruation
weight Constipation and abdominal pain

Intolerance of cold

Irregular heart rhythms

Low blood pressure

Dehydration

Eroded teeth and calluses on the knuckles from induced

vomiting

Emotional

Risk
Symptoms?

Factors?
Severely restricting food intake through dieting

or fasting
:
Biological Although it s not yet clear which '
Exercising excessively
,
-
genes are involved some people may have a
Bingeing and self induced vomiting to get rid of

, , genetic tendency toward perfectionism ,

—
food which may include the use of laxatives

,
enemas diet aids or herbal products
sensitivity and perseverance all traits

Preoccupation with food which sometimes , associated with anorexia .

includes cooking elaborate meals for others but
:
Psychological Some people with anorexia may

not eating them

-
have obsessive compulsive personality traits

Eating only a few certain safe foods usually " " , that make it easier to stick to strict diets and

those low in fat and calories forgo food despite being hungry .
Not wanting to eat in public .
Environmental Modern Western culture

Lying about how much food has been eaten emphasizes thinness Success and worth are .
often equated with being thin Peer pressure .
may help fuel the desire to be thin particularly ,
among young girls

Causes?
When to see a medical

:
Genetics Changes in specific genes may put
professional?
certain people at higher risk of anorexia Those .
-
with a first degree relative — a parent sibling or , If you notice that a family member
—
- ,
child who had the disorder have a much higher

risk of anorexia . or friend has low self esteem

:
Dieting and starvation Dieting is a risk factor for
severe dieting habits and
.
,
developing an eating disorder There is strong

evidence that many of the symptoms of anorexia

dissatisfaction with appearance

are actually symptoms of starvation . consider talking to him or her

. ' , ;
Transitions Whether it s a new school home or job

;
a relationship breakup or the death or illness of a
about these issues Although you .
,
loved one change can bring emotional stress and may not be able to prevent an
increase the risk of anorexia . eating disorder from developing ,
you can talk about healthier

behavior or treatment options .

Treatment?

Hospitalization
Prevention!
Day Programs Residential /
Programs
Stick to your treatment plan Don t skip therapy . '
sessions and try not to stray from meal plans even ,
Medical Care if they make you uncomfortable .
Talk to your doctor about appropriate vitamin and
Restoration of healthy weight mineral supplements If you re not eating well. ' ,
Psychotherapy family based ( chances are your body isn t getting all of the

,
'
.
/ )
nutrients it needs such as Vitamin D or iron

AND OR individual based ,

However getting most of your vitamins and

minerals from food is typically recommended .

Medications '
Don t isolate yourself from caring family members

and friends who want to see you get healthy .

Understand that they have your best interests at

heart .
Resist urges to weigh yourself or check yourself in

the mirror frequently These may do nothing but .

fuel your drive to maintain unhealthy habits