Anorexia nervosa

I. INTRODUCTION

Nowadays, a lot of young people face different problems and they are affected unconsciously and the consequences are worst, even they may commit suicide. Some problems may be physical and others psychological. That is why; young people should be guided especially at the teen age to prevent any tragedy.

Nowadays according to statistics, most young teenagers are affected by the famous psychological illness called anorexia nervosa. In especial women suffer this eating disorder due to our society who forces them to be in shape, be in fashion, have many friends, and wear expensive clothes and many others. TV commercials, TV programs, radio programs, newspaper and even magazines promote this kind of stereotype - a 90, 60 90 perfect measure.

Through this essay, you will learn what the anorexia nervosa is; recognize the symptoms and signs, causes, consequences, the treatment if someone suffers it and the actual statistics around the world.

II. CONCEPT

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by immoderate food restriction and irrational fear to gain weight; also it is a life – threatening psychological illness. Anorexia nervosa is when people starve themselves on purpose, even though

they are extremely skinny they still think they are overweight.

DISCOVERY

Anorexia was discovered in 1964 by an English doctor named Richard Martan.

III. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

A person with anorexia nervosa can exhibit several signs and symptoms. The principal signs are:

• seeming a skull (she or he is very skinny)

• being very irritable

• extreme fatigue

• Muscle damage

• Paralysis

• Thinking they are overweight

The physical symptoms are:

• Dry skin

• Cold hand and feet

• Absent menstrual period

• Lanugo: it is when a lot of fine hair grow on the face and body

The psychological symptoms are:

• Thinking and talking a lot about body image, body weight and food

• Unrealistic belief about getting fat

• Extreme fear to gain weight

• Being sensitive to criticism

• Having problems with relationship

The behavioral symptoms are:

• Excessive exercising

• Induced vomiting / throwing up after eating

• Eating very slowly

• Cutting food into small pieces

• Restricting amount of food

• Using laxatives or diuretics

IV. CAUSES

The exact diagnosis is unclear in everyone. Anorexia nervosa can be caused by a mixture of genetic history, social influences, occupational stress such as ballet or modeling and personality trails; also they have a low self – esteem or have been abused by someone.

V. CONSEQUENCES OF ANOREXIA NERVOSA

If the anorexia is not diagnosed on time it can produce several problems:

• Mineral loss

• Irregular heartbeat

• Low body temperature

• Body mass index less than 18.5 in adults

VI. TREATMENT

• The most important thing is helping them - the anorexic - to gain weight again

• the person will need therapy, may even need antidepressant drug

• The anorexic will also need to figure out how to deal with stress in a more effective way

• If the person does not progress, hospitalization may be required

• The family and the real friends have to be helping them and never leave them alone

VII. STATISTICS

• Almost 80% of young women are victims of anorexia.

• 10% of people with anorexia are male. This is because men are ashamed of skinny weak bodies and want to be powerful.

• 50% of girls between the ages of 13 and 15 believe they are

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