Someone you love continues to lose weight. She eats like a bird begrudgingly. Constantly worried about her body shape, she has also begun to exercise to the point of obsession. At first, it seemed like a phase that would go away in time. But, she is getting so skinny; it is scary. So, now it is time to think about the possibility and learn the symptoms and treatment of anorexia Nervosa.
Of course, you do not want to approach your daughter about having an eating disorder, unless you have exhausted other possibilities. Sometimes, it can be very hard to tell there is a problem, because your teen may go to great lengths to disguise the problem. However, the Mayo Clinic has a list of things you can look for, if you are worried about your child:
- Skipping meals
- Making excuses for not eating
- Eating only a few certain "safe" foods, usually those low in fat and calories
- Adopting rigid meal or eating rituals, such as cutting food into tiny pieces or spitting food out after chewing
- Weighing food
- Cooking elaborate meals for others but refusing to eat
- Repeated weighing of themselves
- Frequent checking in the mirror for perceived flaws
- Wearing baggy or layered clothing
- Complaining about being fat
Although the disease is not gender specific, girls are usually the ones who suffer from this mental health challenge. Although it is centered on weight issues, Anorexia is much more than an eating disorder. It is often about the need to be in control. Weight is something your teen can be in command of, even if the rest of the world seems out of order.
In truth, you may notice emotional changes, before you ever notice any of the physical symptoms. Knowing there is something to really worry about can be difficult, because many parents attribute the change to simply being a teenager, and maybe it is just a phase they will grow out of pretty soon. While that may be the case, if it continues for two long, it may signal anorexia nervosa. Again, Mayo Clinic has compiled a list of behavioral and emotional symptoms:
- Refusal to eat
- Denial of hunger
- Excessive exercise
- Flat mood, or lack of emotion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Preoccupation with food
Unfortunately, this disease also has many physical symptoms. With the manifestation of these signs, it also means that there are complications that can result in other major health issues. So, it is also imperative to recognize the signs. Some will be up to you to recognize, and some be found by the doctor, and it will add up to one big problem. For example:
- Extreme weight loss
- Thin appearance
- Abnormal blood counts
- Fatigue
- Dizziness or fainting
- Brittle nails
- Hair that thins, breaks or falls out
- Soft, downy hair covering the body
- Absence of menstruation
- Constipation
- Dry skin
- Intolerance of cold
- Irregular heart rhythms
- Low blood pressure
- Dehydration
- Osteoporosis
As you can see, anorexia nervosa is not simply the refusal to eat, in order to lose weight. Although most people are diagnosed in their teens, it does not go away when they reach adulthood. Also, you cannot simply talk to someone who suffers from anorexia, discuss the problem, and then they start eating again and everything is fine.
Given the proper help, an individual with anorexia nervosa can get better and develop healthy eating habits. But, it may be something they have to deal with for a lifetime. It is a psychological, emotional, and physical disorder than can manifest from a variety of causes. Thus, the disorder of anorexia nervosa is a disease that you cannot fix. Professional help is required. For example, the mental health issue may result from biological sources. Although the specific reasons are not yet clear, individuals with a sibling or a parent that also has anorexia have a greater chance of being diagnosed as well. It may have something to do with the levels of serotonin in the brain. Whatever the reason, if you or another family member has also dealt with this health concern, it is a big red flag.
If not biologically bases, personality has a lot to do with anorexia. Many sufferers also have obsessive-compulsive disorder tendencies. They may be perfectionists. Yet, self-esteem is extremely low. They are driven to fix themselves or gain control, and food intake is a way they can take charge.
Sadly, culture has a lot to do with anorexia nervosa. Girls watch television and see all of these successful and famous girls and ladies that are pencil thin. Society is simply more accepting of people who are thin. A girl with a few extra pounds can become very self-conscious and also treated unkindly by her peers.
In short, if you recognize any of these signs or symptoms of anorexia nervosa in your daughter, seek professional help. Even if you daughter makes an excuse or gets really mad, just do it! If you are wrong, the doctor may still find a health issue related to the symptoms. Someday, your girl will realize that you have sought help only because of your love and care. |
