More Information on Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are something that is incredibly serious. While eating disorders tend to be hidden, there is one type of eating disorder that tends to be more visible than not. Anorexia, in all of its forms, is one of the most serious and visible eating disorders. What many people do not realise, however, is that there are multiple facets to anorexia. Understanding all that you can about anorexia is an important first step to treatment for those who are anorexic.

Definition of Anorexia

The term anorexia actually sands for something bigger; when people are talking about someone with an eating disorder, they are talking about someone who has anorexia nervosa. Anorexia itself is actually the non-psychological effect of having no appetite. Anorexia nervosa is a psychological loss of appetite. Many people think that anorexia nervosa is a strain of anorexia, but this is not the case. Anorexic people will lean on restricting, the act of not eating and restricting your food, to lose weight.

Effects of Anorexia

The effects of anorexia are mind blowing and incredibly serious. Those who suffer from anorexia can risk the function of many of their important and vital organs. Anorexia can slow the heart rate, which can cause issues with the cardiovascular system. For many with anorexia, heart failure is an incredible possibility. Anorexia can also mess up the level of hormones in the body, as well as bone density and bone growth.

There are other aspects and effects of anorexia that people do not think about. While many people realise that anorexia can cause massive weight loss, they do not realise that it can go far beyond that. Anorexia can stunt growth. Anorexia can thin out the hair and cause tooth decay. Anorexia can harm the immune system, lower the white blood cell count, and cause headaches as well.

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is another well known form of anorexia, but is slightly different. Those who have anorexia nervosa may not have as serious of an anorexia problem in terms of eating (but will still have anorexia). What they do have, however, is a problem with working out. Those who have anorexia nervosa will eat less and work out excessively. This working out is what takes regular anorexia to anorexia nervosa.

Definition of Anorexia Nervosa

Many people fail to understand that anorexia nervosa is the same thing as simple "anorexia". There are different types of anorexia that can be classified in different areas, however. There are those who have anorexia but have symptoms of binge eating and purging; mixing anorexia and bulimia together. There is also a form of anorexia nervosa that deals with excessive working out. This is not classified under a separate name, but is an aspect of anorexia that some have, while others do not. Those who have excessive workout needs will continue to not eat, but will also work out for extended periods of time. This increases the danger of anorexia, as those who do so have move severe calorie deficiencies.

Anorexia Symptoms

There are multiple symptoms and signs of anorexia that can help those who have it understand that they may have a problem, and can help those who are looking for anorexia in someone close to them. The severe weight loss is the first major symptom of anorexia. This happens with a combination of other symptoms; those with anorexia will have dry skin and dry or chapped lips. These people will bruise easily, and will have thinning hair. All of these symptoms are not unique to anorexia, but are hallmarks of the eating disorder.

Psychological Effects of Anorexia

The psychological effects of anorexia can affect the person both during and after the illness. Someone who has anorexia will have issues with their body image; these body image issues are often what can spark the anorexia to begin with. The anorexia causes these self image issues to worsen. The self images issues that are had with anorexia is what makes it difficult to get over the issue; people with anorexia will struggle to eat and hold a normal life without being anorexic.

Many people do not think of anorexia as something that is difficult to overcome; psychologically, however, anorexia can be incredibly difficult. Other psychological effects of anorexia include a tweaked sense of self evaluation (seeing yourself as overweight even when severely underweight), obsessive compulsive disorder, and perfectionism. When people think of anorexia, they do not realize that other psychological effects, other than body image, can come into play.

Anorexia Treatment

Treatment for anorexia is one of the most important things to do when trying to get over the disorder. Life Works understands that every individual is different. Some methods may work brilliantly for some, and not work for others. Tailoring each individual anorexia case to the specific case itself is the only way to make sure that every individual has the opportunity to overcome their own disorder. This approach to anorexia treatment has allowed Life Works to have an impressive success rate.

There are multiple types of treatment for anorexia. Some people will thrive in a treatment program known as private treatment. This private treatment is tailored specifically to the individual with the eating disorder, but treats them on a one on one basis. These people will work with the staff one on one to overcome their eating disorder. This is a prime type of anorexia treatment for those who are embarrassed, or those who do not feel like going through treatment with a large group of people. While some people find comfort in large groups, others simply do not, and will not respond to treatment.

The other type of anorexia treatment is more of a group therapy type of treatment. This form of treatment is still tailored to each individual, but emphasises the group setting. This group setting helps those who feel alone, as they are going through the process with people who are going through something similar. While this form of group therapy is not the best type of therapy for all individuals, it can be incredibly helpful and successful.