Anorexia is a mental disorder characterized by difficulty in controlling eating habits, resulting in excessive weight loss. Although this disorder primarily targets young women, it can also occur in men and individuals of different age categories. The diagnosis and treatment process is carried out by a multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Treatment may include individualized therapy, nutritional counseling, and medication when necessary.
What is Anorexia Nervosa?
Anorexia is a severe psychiatric disorder that restricts eating habits, focusing on weight control and body image, leading to extreme thinness.
It stems from psychological factors such as low self-esteem, perfectionism, and loss of control. Individuals experience fear, guilt, and shame related to eating and constantly engage in efforts to lose weight. If left untreated, this disease can lead to serious physical health issues.
Who is Affected by Anorexia?
Anorexia nervosa typically emerges during adolescence and young adulthood. Although it is more common in women than men, there have been observations of increasing cases among men.
A perfectionist personality, low self-esteem, trauma, social pressures, and the idealized thin body image in the media may play a role in the development of this disorder. The risk is also higher in individuals working in appearance-focused professions such as dancers, models, and athletes.
What Are the Symptoms of Anorexia?
Anorexia symptoms can manifest in various forms; the most common are:
- Excessive Weight Loss
The individual begins to lose weight excessively, dropping below the normal body weight.
- Avoidance of Eating
The individual restricts or entirely refuses food to prevent gaining weight.
- Body Image Distortion
The individual develops obsessive thoughts about their body, seeing themselves as heavier than they are.
- Exercise Addiction
The individual may engage in excessive exercise to burn calories.
- Changes in Eating Behaviors
The individual may develop specific rituals while eating to avoid gaining weight.
- Social Isolation
The individual avoids participating in social activities to escape situations involving food.
Due to excessive weight loss and nutritional deficiency, the individual constantly feels weak and tired.
Hair loss and skin problems may occur because the body does not receive the necessary nutrients.
- Stomach Problems
Stomach issues can arise due to prolonged starvation.
In women, excessive weight loss can cause imbalances in the normal menstrual cycle.
How is Anorexia Diagnosed?
Anorexia diagnosis can be made after a series of comprehensive evaluations. Initially, doctors perform a physical examination and assess the patient's weight against the normal weight range. They also ask questions about the patient's eating habits, exercise routine, and body perception.
During the diagnosis process, psychiatrists evaluate behavioral, physical, and emotional symptoms based on DSM-5 criteria. Measurements of endocrinological and nutritional parameters, blood tests, and detection of heart rhythm disorders aid the diagnosis. Information gathered from family members is also crucial in the diagnosis process.
What is the Treatment Process for Anorexia?
The treatment of anorexia is not limited to simply gaining weight. The underlying psychological causes of the disease must also be addressed. The treatment process follows a multidisciplinary approach:
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Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), plays an important role in this process. CBT aids the individual in recognizing distorted thought patterns and helps replace them with healthy ones.
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Nutritional Support
Nutritional support is planned as the implementation of a healthy and balanced diet program under the supervision of a dietitian. The program aims to facilitate weight gain and promote regular and healthy eating habits.
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Medical Monitoring
When necessary, electrolyte balance, heart health, and hormone levels are regularly monitored and addressed.
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Medication
Medication may be planned in the presence of accompanying disorders such as anxiety or depression. In such cases, psychiatric medications prescribed by psychiatrists are used.
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Family Therapy
Actively involving the family in this process helps support the patient and provides family members with an understanding of the disease.
What is the Difference Between Anorexia and Bulimia?
Anorexia and bulimia are psychological disorders known as eating disorders. The differences between the two conditions lie in symptoms, treatment approaches, and the affected individual's perception of their body.
Anorexia involves excessive dieting or starvation by a person who believes they are overweight but is actually excessively thin. In this condition, the person fears gaining weight constantly and thus restricts or totally stops food intake.
Bulimia involves compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, fasting, excessive exercise, or laxative use following uncontrolled eating episodes. Bulimic individuals may be of normal or above-average weight. They may experience physical and emotional stress, often associated with depression or anxiety.
Professional help is necessary in both cases. With appropriate treatment and support, overcoming these disorders is possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anorexia patients fully recover?
There is a possibility of treating anorexia with appropriate and early intervention. However, long-term follow-up and supportive treatment are important to avoid permanent psychological effects.
Do anorexia patients see themselves as sick?
No, the individual is often unaware of their condition or views weight loss as an achievement. This can increase resistance to treatment.
Is medication used in the treatment of anorexia?
While there is no medication specifically approved for anorexia, medication treatment under medical supervision may be applied for accompanying disorders such as depression and anxiety.
What role do families play in anorexia?
Family support is crucial in both diagnosis and treatment processes. Understanding, supportive, and informed families significantly influence the success of the treatment process.