This article explores anorexia nervosa, detailing its causes, common symptoms, and various treatment options. It emphasizes the importance of early intervention and psychological support for effective recovery, highlighting that the disorder affects a wide demographic, including older women. Recognizing behavioral and physical signs is key for timely treatment, which may involve medication, therapy, and medical supervision to restore health and prevent life-threatening complications.

Anorexia Nervosa: Causes, Signs, and Recovery Options

Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder marked by dramatic weight loss and unhealthy eating habits, which can pose life-threatening health risks. Commonly affecting teenagers and women, this condition is driven by a fear of gaining weight, leading individuals to severely restrict their food intake regardless of their actual weight. Recent research indicates that approximately 13% of women over 50 are also affected, demonstrating its broad reach. Without proper treatment, anorexia can be fatal.

In the binge-purge form, individuals often make themselves vomit or exercise excessively to shed pounds.

The restrictive type involves severe self-control, with individuals eating very little, which can't sustain healthy weight levels.

What are the causes of anorexia nervosa? While the exact origins remain unclear, both biological and environmental factors are influential. Genetic predisposition increases risk if family members have similar issues. Psychological elements such as low self-esteem, bullying about body image, and negative social interactions can trigger the disorder. Perfectionists and high-achievers may develop anorexia due to their obsession with flawlessness. Biological factors like serotonin imbalance are also associated with the condition.

Stress from biological or psychological sources can lead to restrictive eating or purging behaviors, contributing to the disorder's development.

Signs of anorexia nervosa can be behavioral, emotional, or physical. Behavioral indicators include excessive exercise, fasting, dieting, binge eating, vomiting, and laxative or diuretic misuse.

Emotional and behavioral symptoms include irritability, mood swings, social withdrawal, decreased sexual interest, frequent body checks, cover-up clothing, obsessive weight monitoring, denial of hunger, skipping meals, and exercising in all weather conditions.

Physical signs often involve abdominal discomfort, constipation, blood pressure issues, dizziness, intolerance to cold, irregular periods, muscle weakness, slow healing wounds, dental decay, fine body hair growth (lanugo), swollen salivary glands, dry skin, brittle nails, calluses from vomiting, fatigue, hair loss, dehydration, and limb swelling.

How is anorexia nervosa managed? Treatment focuses on restoring a healthy weight and addressing underlying psychological factors. Common methods include:

Medications like antidepressants, used under medical guidance to promote weight gain.

Family and social support to help individuals resist starvation or purging urges.

Therapies aimed at changing behavioral patterns and emotional reactions, encouraging normal eating habits.

In severe cases, nutritional support via nasogastric tubes and hospitalization may be necessary, especially with extreme malnutrition or profound psychological issues. Consistent adherence to treatment and strong support systems are essential for recovery, helping individuals avoid obsessive behaviors such as mirror-checking or starvation.